ARTICLES-STORIES & JUST
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ARTICLES-STORIES & JUST
 Galveston County , Texas -- Bluebonnet season in Texas came early this year, and experts predict it will end early too. But there are plenty of other wildflowers left to enjoy this spring in Texas. Amy Medley is the lead horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. She explains the science behind this year’s bluebonnet season. “Bluebonnets started blooming earlier this year due to warmer than normal weather in January and February. This does mean that the blooms will decline and go to seed earlier this year. I expect that the bluebonnets will continue to bloom until sometime in early April,” Medley said. Since the end of March is approaching, this means time is running out to snap some photos of or surrounded by sprawling bluebonnet fields. “Take a drive! We have a guide on our website with recommended routes for spectacular wildflower views across the state,” she said. “And for that iconic bluebonnet photo, we have created bluebonnet photo spots at the Wildflower Center, where guests can safely take photos surrounded by bluebonnets.” When enjoying bluebonnets, snakes and other creepy crawlers are always a danger to look out for, as they like to hang out hidden among the tall grass. Medley says the safest way to enjoy the blooms is to give them space and make sure to stay out of grass so tall that you can’t see your feet under it. “The safest way to enjoy the bluebonnets is also safest for the plants, near them but not in or on them, always be sure you can see your feet and their surroundings," Medley said. As for if the flowers will bloom early again next year, Medley says it’s too soon to tell, as it depends on several factors, mainly the weather leading up to bluebonnet season. “The timing of bluebonnet blooms is dependent upon spring temperatures. An early warm up will bring early blooms and if it is cooler than normal, blooms will be delayed. Additionally, the number of blooms is dependent on fall rains when bluebonnet seeds begin to germinate. If we get substantial rain, more bluebonnet plants will survive which translates to more blooms on those plants,” she said. If you don’t get to enjoy the Texas bluebonnets before they go, or if you’re just looking for more flowers to see this spring, don’t worry. Spring has just begun, and Medley tells us there are plenty of other Texas wildflowers you can see at their peak. “The bluebonnet show may be coming to an end soon, but the wildflower season continues after the bluebonnets have gone to seed! Check out the Texas Wildflower Watch on Instagram for current reports of what's blooming across Texas,” Medley said. While they’re here, check out these popular spots to enjoy Texas bluebonnets around our area:  BLUEBONNETS HOUSTON – CENTRAL HOUSTON BUFFALO BAYOU PARK The Buffalo Bayou is huge and bluebonnet patches can be found all over the park. However, the best places to check out are near The Dunlavy, Jackson Hill Bridge, and the South bank of Buffalo Bayou. Patches are small but are good for photos. When: Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 11 pm Where: Buffalo Bayou Park, 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019 How Much: Free  HERMANN PARK Bluebonnets are typically found in Bayou Parkland, a small part of Hermann Park. You can find them along Brays Bayou behind Hermann Park at Almeda and South MacGregor. When: Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 11 pm Where: Hermann Park, 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030 How Much: Free  RICE UNIVERSITY Rice University is a comprehensive research college in Houston that boasts plenty of green open spaces all around campus. And these spaces bloom in blue once the bluebonnets season starts. Back in 2010, the school partnered up with the Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum for a wildflower seed-spreading effort and since then, the school’s grounds have seen bluebonnets springing up every year. If you plan to visit, please call the school ahead. When: Monday – Sunday Where: Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005  MERCER ARBORETUM AND BOTANIC GARDENS Up in Spring, the Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden typically has a small patch of bluebonnets in their native wildflower/flower section. It could also be an educational experience for the kids as they can learn about different endangered plants that are protected there. When: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm Where: Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338 How Much: Free  BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK The Brazos Bend State Park is a 5,000-acre state park with trails, lakes, and a campground. You can ride a horse, bike, hike, catch a fish, and even stay overnight. And during the spring, you can see tons of bluebonnets blooming in many of their fields. The flowers are spread out over the park so get ready to walk out in nature to find them. When: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 10 pm Where: Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 Farm to Market Rd 762, Needville, TX 77461 How Much: $7 for people 13 years and older  BLUEBONNETS HOUSTON – NORTH HOUSTON SPRING CREEK GREENWAYThe Spring Creek Greenway is a 12-mile trail with a mix of forests, wetlands, and bluebonnet fields. It’s a favorite place for joggers because of the beautiful sceneries and the wonderful trail. Every year, parts of that trail is also filled with blooming bluebonnets. When: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 7 pm Where: Spring Creek Greenway, Spring, TX 77373  ROB FLEMING PARK This large park in The Woodlands has some bluebonnet patches. It’s a great place for families as you can play and even have a picnic while you’re there. When: Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 7 pm Where: Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Dr, Spring, TX 77389 How Much: $10 There are so many place BLUEBONNETS HOUSTON – WEST HOUSTON TERRY HERSHEY PARK Bluebonnets can be spotted from Dairy Ashford St. The park itself is also good for playgrounds, fishing, and hiking trails. When: Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 10 pm Where: Terry Hershey Park, 15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 How Much: Free SPOTTS PARK On the other side of Memorial Dr. off Waugh Dr., you can usually find some large patches every year. The best patches are said to be found on the southeast side of the park. When: Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 7 pm Where: Spotts Park, 401 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007 MEMORIAL PARK You can typically find bluebonnets and other wildflowers popping up in various spots along the running trail. When: Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 11 pm Where: Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007 How Much: Free Please share your pictures with us!! And here are other wildflowers in bloom that are in season right now, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center:
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