According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there are over 5,000 species of wildflowers native to Texas. The state’s diverse terrain and weather regions, from plains and marshes to woods and mountains, all boast unique conditions that support the growth of different wildflowers. This has facilitated thriving and distinct flora profiles for different parts of Texas, allowing everyone to enjoy breathtaking experiences in the spring. In addition to driving the 800,000 miles of road that is sowed with over 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds by Tx DOT yearly, nature enthusiasts can also visit some special sites to soak in the beauty of the blooms.
Photo Courtesy of: Dogwood Trails
Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
Located near the convergence of the marshes and prairies to the South, savannah to the Northwest, and piney woods to the Northeast, Houston has the geographical variation needed to support an extraordinary community of flowers. The Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on hiking trails, visiting the butterfly house and hedge maze, gazing at fountains, or taking off from the canoe launching area perched on Cypress Creek. Not only are the gardens free to the public, but they also offer the chance to view many of Texas’s native wildflowers, including the endangered and rare Texas Trailing Phlox, a species that has been threatened by urban development and wildfires in previous years.
Clark Gardens
Photo Courtesy of: Clark Gardens
With a mission to “inspire and demonstrate the many rich horticulture and nature-based possibilities of North Texas,” you can bet that visitors to the Clark Gardens in Dallas are going to enjoy an inspiring and truly unique experience! Recognized as the Official Best Public Gardenin Texas for 2014, visitors to these gardens are shown the natural beauty of sustainable landscapes featuring native Texas plants. Carol Clark-Montgomery, daughter of the founders and Clark Gardens Executive Director explained, “I think the best word [to describe the gardens] is relaxation; it’s so connected to nature…it [represents a vision of] what you could do in your own garden, in your own backyard!” Clark Gardens also features a G-scale train that runs through the towns of Weatherford and Mineral Wells on “1200 feet of track in and outside of buildings” for
guest viewing pleasure. For anyone wishing to have a piece of Clark Gardens for their own, flowers that have been hand-grown by founder Max Clark are available for purchase and can be shipped to most states!
Fort Worth’s Botanic Garden
Conveniently located near the Dallas Zoo, delicious food, and superb shopping venues, Fort Worth’s Botanic Garden offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family! The Japanese Garden invites visitors to enjoy public tea ceremonies while the Adelaide Polk Fuller Garden offers a completely different experience that displays the beauty and functionality of “stone hardscapes, trellises, water features, and seasonal plantings…designed to symbolize life’s journey” to guests. The Botanic Garden also features a boardwalk with Texas native plants and an online summary of the flower highlights to see during each season, including which flowers will bloom in the spring months.
80th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration
Not to be missed during spring 2018 is the 80th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration in Palestine, Texas. In the early 1930s, Charles Wooldridge and Eugene Fish, local businessmen, conceived the idea that everyone should be encouraged to experience the magic of the area’s natural beauty – specifically the dogwoods. Over the years, the trail was refined and perfected, culminating from a route over a country road to a more natural path directly through the woods, allowing a more simplistic view of the dogwood trees. During World War II, M.A. Davey purchased the land that the trails were on and donated it to the county, allowing for the official creation of a public park. Since its creation, more events and features have been added to make the springtime celebration of the dogwoods more appealing and fun for the whole family! Stephanie Wright, Member Services Coordinator for the Palestine Chamber of Commerce, explained, “Along with classic components like the parade, kid’s activity area, and all manner of fried foods, this year we are adding a dogwood costume contest, a scavenger hunt, sidewalk chalk art area, free family-friendly games, such as human foosball, and more.”
Photo Courtesy of: Dogwood Trails
Everything is bigger and better in Texas, and the magic of spring and the season’s celebrations are no different! Take advantage of the warmer weather to be blown away by the gorgeous flowers and natural wonders of the Lone Star State! Celebrating spring can happen in your own backyard too! Planting or sponsoring a garden is another great way to take part in the springtime fun. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Texas springtime is certainly a special season!
