{mosapa album="Wildflowers"}
HILL COUNTRY — There’s an old saying that a wildflower is nothing more than a weed that grows where it isn’t wanted, but in the Hill Country, residents have come to rely on wildflowers to enhance the natural beauty of the region. The only problem is, this year is lack of rain and drought-like conditions may wreak havoc among the normal crops of wildflowers locals and visitors come to expect during the spring and summer.
According to Bill Luedecke, past president of the the Burnet Master Naturalist group and the Burnet Master Gardener’s Club, during the last 18 months the Hill Country has dropped 25 inches below average rainfall totals. Burnet County officials say the lack of significant rain will drastically deplete the usually abundant flora to be seen along Texas roadways this year.
There are some areas, however, where one might catch a vista of flowers from bluebonnets to poppies. Burnet County AgriLife Extension Agent Wade Hibler suggests these spots:
Along Texas 16 from Llano south to Willow City Loop, you might find some natural blooms of wildflowers. Also, along RR 2341 in Burnet County on the way to Canyon of the Eagles State Park is what wildlife officials say is a guaranteed view of Hill Country floral beauty.
“If we’re going to have any, that’s where they’re going to be,” Luedecke said. “Also, the areas around one of the many local lakes is another great resource to find wildflowers. That’s a most likely place due to the acidity of the soil as most vegetation thrives on it.”
If you’re on your way to check out the many sights to be seen at Inks Lake State Park at 3630 Park Road 4 West, you will undoubtedly capture some unbelievable sights. Inks Lake is located in the Highland Lakes chain surrounded by granite hills. The water level of Inks Lake is usually unaffected by drought and is maintained at a constant level throughout most of the year.
Lookout Mountain on RR 1431 just east of Kingsland should also be on your list as a must-see.
“As water runs off the side of the hill, it’s a good spot to see a variety of scenic views and natural wildlife and vegetation,” Hibler said.
Travelers and residents alike can head down 1431 to the village of Smithwick Mills Estates, more than 10 miles past Marble Falls.
“Along Ranch Road 1431 ... east of Marble Falls to FM 1174, there will likely be a good flash of wildflowers due to the construction in that area. Bulldozers have disturbed so much of the soil and seed, they pull up the old seed and it germinates into a great crop of flowers,” the extension agent said.
Hibler also suggests spectators view wildflowers as a result of direct planting around the courthouse and the annex in Burnet County. The Courthouse in Burnet is located at 1701 E. Polk St. and the annex is in Marble Falls at 810 Steve Hawkins Parkway.
If you’re up for a road trip, May 2 is the 4th Annual Johnson City Wildflower Days 2009 — a celebration of art, wine and wildflowers in the historical downtown district. The event is produced by the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and a group of committed volunteers. Festivities will include the Wildflower Market with food and product vendors, arts and crafts, live musical entertainment, workshops, demonstrations and fun activities for the whole family.
U.S. 281 runs north and south into Johnson City; signs should provide directions.
Last but not least, travelers can’t afford to miss one of the Hill Country’s finest display of flowers at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg. The farm is located seven miles east of Fredericksburg on U.S. 290 East.
“The bad news is, there may not be as many flowers along the roadside this year, but the good news is, we are sure to have them just like we always do,” said Kerry Fisher said, publicist for Wildseed Farms. “Due to our methods of irrigation, we will have poppies, bluebonnets and a big field of wildflowers and quilt of colors along our walking trail.”
Wildseed Farms is open seven days a week 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and features a nursery, market center, a 3,000-square foot live butterfly exhibit with almost 300 species of native Texas butterflies, an outdoor Brewbonnet Biergarten with live music on Saturdays during April and an extensive gift shop with specialty foods, wildflowers and seeds.
Wildseed Farms will host their 3rd Annual Gourmet Chili Pepper & Salsa Festival July 24-26. Their number is 1-800-848-0078 and more details can be viewed on their Web site at www.wildseedfarms.com.
