A Desert in Bloom: Exploring Austin’s Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

A Mexican Plum Tree (Prunus mexicana) in bloom on the Texas prairie. Mexican Plum is a member of the Rose family and typically grows “sobre los rios” (in riverbeds) in Mexico and South Texas.

Iconic Texas bluebonnets on display.

Under the shade of a Wax Myrtle Tree.

A human bird’s nest made out of native grape vines in the children’s playground (there are giant wooden eggs in each of the five nests).

A look inside the Metamorphosis Garden, where statues of tadpoles in various stages of development lead up to the fully-grown frog.

Hopscotch in the children’s garden. Perfect for a Lil’ Sprout!

Beautiful blooms along a walking path.

Where human nature and the wilderness collide.

Wildflowers from the garden on display in the restroom.

Children play in the grotto.

Cranes, through a peephole in a native woodwall.

The imposing Spanish Dagger (Yucca treculeana) is a member of the Agave family.

Texas native heart-shaped Skullcap is used in the treatment of nervous conditions like epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, and anxiety.

Ladyfinger cactus (Echinocereus pentalophus), also known as Devil’s Fingers, bloom only in late spring. Eventually, this cactus will bear green fruit.

Texas Madrone (Arbutus Xalapensis) in bloom. This tree is a member of the Heath Family (Ericaceae). It blooms February-April in Edwards Plateau, Trans-Pecos, and in the southern plains of Texas and Southeast New Mexico. It likes to set up shop on wooded rocky hills, mountain slopes, and canyons.

Texas Mountain Laurel blooming in front of a water cistern. Like California, Texas is experiencing a massive drought that has made research centers dedicated to native plants all the more critical in the effort to preserve wild, bio-regionally diverse plant life in the Southeastern United States. At the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, water conservation is key.

A mighty Oak looms over the “Hall of Texas Heroes”– a swath of the Wildflower Center’s Arboretum dedicated to propagating historically-significant trees. All trees on display at this juncture were grafted from original specimens that played a significant role in Texas’ past.

A cluster of Golden groundsel.

The Wildflower Center is home to cutting-edge plant research, including controlled-burn experiments, water-regulation tests, and solar-powered trial gardens like the one shown here.

Wildflower bouquets adorn tables in the on-site cafe as Redbud trees bloom on the other side of the glass.