A sure sign of spring is blooming all around, the Texas bluebonnet, one of six state flowers. For the record, spring arrived officially at 4:24 p.m. Monday CDT.
Daily Record photo by Barbara Audet
Wildflowers of Texas herald change in the season
The first day of spring is often heralded with a profusion of one of the state flowers of Texas, the bluebonnet.
According to Hays County Master Gardener Marilyn Love, a relatively warm February likely contributed to the early display of flowers. What may also contribute to the best years she said is heavier rains in November. Love said she first saw bluebonnets popping up in the county on March 7. There are numerous locations or drives that offer an opportunity to enjoy bluebonnet patches. Love recommends heading up SH 130 toward Austin or going on the 36-mile stretch on RM 32 toward Blanco to see the flowers, often in abundance. As bluebonnets fade, the fields will abound with 'tons' of other wildflowers, including Snow on the Mountain and Indian Paintbrush. The Hays County Master Gardeners have an information table set up at the San Marcos Public Library on Thursdays for those interested in learning more about the organization and what it does to promote knowledge about plants in the region.
