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Website, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, (512) 232-0100, 12 Miles from Downtown Austin
Johnson Wildflower Center Austin Has 284 Acres of More Than 900 Species of Native Texas Plants
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Austin was founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes with the goal of preserving and restoring the native plants and landscapes of Texas. The Johnson Wildflower Center features extensive gardens, trails, and exhibits that showcase the beauty and diversity of native plants. The gardens are designed to reflect the different ecosystems found in Texas, including woodlands, meadows, and wetland areas.
As First Lady, Johnson Promoted Highway Beautification In 1960’s
Lady Bird Johnson was the wife of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Austin was founded by the former First Lady and her good friend, the actress Helen Hayes, in 1982 as a wildflower research center. Lady Bird Johnson once said, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Johnson had already been instrumental in passing the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 while she was First Lady. The Highway Beautification Act limited billboards and planted flowers along American roadways.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Austin?
If you’re wondering when the best time to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is, it really depends on your interests. Throughout the year, the Wildflower Center hosts special events like art installations, garden tours, and annual plant sales. The gift shop is a great place to find garden and nature-related gifts. The Wildflower Center also has a cafe that serves sandwiches and drinks.
The Best Time to See Wildflowers Is March & April
If you are wondering when is the best time to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Austin to see wildflowers in bloom, visit in March or April. Spring is a fantastic time to visit the Wildflower Center. The wildflowers are thick and the colors are vibrant. Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, are especially beautiful and the spring in Texas is the only time they bloom. If you want to see the wildflowers at their best, plan your trip for March or April.
Largest Online Database of North American Native Plants
The Wildflower Center Austin has the largest online database of North American native plants. Here is a link to the database of North American Native plants from their website.
This database serves as a valuable resource for individuals interested in learning more about native plants, their characteristics, and their suitability for various gardening and landscaping purposes, particularly in Texas and the surrounding regions.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Annual Plant Sale
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center annual plant sale is a yearly highlight for gardening enthusiasts in the Austin area. The plant sale at the Wildflower Center has a diverse selection of native plants, including wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Annual Plant Sale also usually has a selection of rare or hard-to-find native plant species.The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center annual plant sale usually takes place in the spring.
Johnson Wildflower Center Austin Is Just One Way Lady Bird Beautified Local Area
In the 1970’s, Johnson was involved in the Town Lake Beautification Project which transformed the Austin riverfront in the downtown and Zilker Park area of Austin. Today Town Lake has been renamed for Mrs. Johnson as Lady Bird Lake.
The Johnson Wildflower Center was founded to educate people about the value of protecting natural habitats and to encourage the use of native plants in landscaping. Lady Bird Johnson remained involved with the Wildflower Center Austin until her death in 2007. Lady Bird Johnson was a pioneer in natural landscaping and sustainable gardening, but more than that she was an important part of developing the green spaces that make Austin the livable city that it is today.