Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Full-Time RV Life

I received an exciting invite from fellow blogger and RV traveler, Andrea, from Everywoman to tour the beautiful and lush landscape of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  We were both in Austin, had a free day, and planned to enjoy some leisurely walking on the colorful trails through wildflowers, deep green woods, and grassy hills and fields.   At the entrance of the gardens, a greeter pointed out a nesting owl sitting high on one of the columns.  She has been greeting guests for the last three or four years.  It was impossible to get a good camera shot of her, but someone posted a very nice one here.

The pathways and trails (an example in photo below) were easily navigated and landscaped with native plants and flowers.  All of the gardens are in keeping with the dedicated mission of former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and iconic actress, Helen Hayes, to preserve the native plants and ecosystem of the region.

The ecosystem has an abundance of wildlife indigenous to the region, including frogs, bugs, squirrels, rabbits, birds, and snakes.  Yes, snakes.  Andrea and I happened upon a diamond back rattlesnake warning visitors by its ominous rattling.  We skirted the reptile well outside the striking range, but it was a swift reminder we were traipsing through a world that did not belong entirely to us.  Needless to say, we toured the rest of the grounds with serpents in mind.  The photo below shows how well camouflaged the snake was on the edge of the path.

The Wildflower Center is a place of learning about plants, ecosystems, landscaping, etc., and there are several classes and workshops for adults and children.  They range from integrated pest management, beginner and advanced landscaping, and even nature writing and photography classes.  At the McDermott Learning Center on the grounds, there is a lovely three-dimensional watercolor paper art display by nature artist Shou Ping.  Her intricate designs bring the outdoors inside, and are stunning works of art.

I wish my photography skills were advanced enough to do the beauty of the Wildflower Center justice.  Below is a visual tour of the Center from the grassy prairies with cacti and wildflowers to the wooded areas and well-manicured landscaped gardens.  Imagine the sweet chords of giant wind chimes carried in the breeze and enjoy the calming elegance that only nature can provide.

Our day at the Wildflower Center was relaxing and invigorating followed by a leisurely lunch with great conversation and camaraderie, and I’m so grateful that Andrea extended the invitation.  Please check out her blog here.

Until the next beautiful adventure,

Love, Dawn