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Texas in bloom — a little bit of heaven on earth




Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes mingle as Texas springs into vibrant bloom. FELIPE SALAZAR/Photographer, www.Flickr.com/sal2182000

Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes mingle as Texas springs into vibrant bloom. FELIPE SALAZAR/Photographer, www.Flickr.com/sal2182000

Although the first day of spring — according to the calendar, at least — is March 20, everything else around us has been telling us it’s spring already here in South Central Texas.

As I’ve traveled around our little town of Floresville, wildflowers seem to appear all over.

I took a detour last Wednesday through one of our many cemeteries and found a bountiful display of beautiful wildflowers. These beautiful blooms are not just for those of us still among the taxpayers, but for all.

The beautiful mornings we have had are for getting up and inhaling the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the beautiful fields are for us to take in with our eyes and fill the pages of our imagination books.

Show us your blooms!

You can share photos of your family, pets, or others enjoying Texas in bloom — or other state scenery — in the Wilson County News’ “South Texas Photo Contest 2019: Favorite Texas Hangouts.” The deadline to enter is Friday, April 19. For information or to enter your photos, visit www.wilsoncountynews.com/photocontest/.

A Texas redbud in bloom vies for attention with the wildflowers, decked out in bright flowers that precede its leaves. FELIPE SALAZAR/Photographer, www.Flickr.com/sal2182000

A Texas redbud in bloom vies for attention with the wildflowers, decked out in bright flowers that precede its leaves. FELIPE SALAZAR/Photographer, www.Flickr.com/sal2182000

Some great prizes are available for the winners!

TAKE A DRIVE

It’s easy to see an abundance of Texas wildflowers in bloom — the area roadways and pastures are ablaze with color!

There are a few drives within easy reach of Wilson County, however, earmarked as simply spectacular for spring scenery.

Among those recommended by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are:

DeWitt County, the official “Wildflower Capital of Texas,” where more than 1,000 wildflower species have been documented. Head south to Kenedy on U.S. 181, then go north on F.M. 792 to S.H. 80 near Helena; from there, go north toward Nixon, then onto U.S. 87 until it meets U.S. 183/U.S. 77A to Goliad. Return to Nixon via S.H. 239 East.

“If this isn’t heaven, then it must be Texas!” Wildflowers adorn a cemetery in Floresville, bringing a little heaven on earth for all to enjoy. FELIPE SALAZAR/Photographer, www.Flickr.com/sal2182000

“If this isn’t heaven, then it must be Texas!” Wildflowers adorn a cemetery in Floresville, bringing a little heaven on earth for all to enjoy. FELIPE SALAZAR/Photographer, www.Flickr.com/sal2182000

The 100-mile Bandera Loop crosses the Medina and Sabinal rivers and traverses some scenic back roads. From Bandera, head north on S.H. 16 to Medina, where you’ll turn west onto F.M. 337 to Vanderpool and Leakey. In Leakey, turn onto S.H. 83 to Garner State Park, then go left on F.M. 1050 to go to Utopia, where you turn left onto F.M. 187. Then go right on F.M. 470, heading toward Tarpley. Follow F.M. 470 to S.H. 16, and return to Bandera.

Source: www.wildflower.org/magazine/landscapes/wildflower-drives

Texas wildflowers

Photographer Felipe Salazar of Floresville has captured some of the most common and vibrant wildflowers that transform our state in the springtime, including Drummond phlox, Indian paintbrush, and the state flower, the bluebonnet.

A few more you may want to look for are:

•Black-eyed Susan

•Flowering dogwood

•Pink evening primrose

•Texas dandelion

•Indian blanket

•Mexican hat.

Visit tpwd.texas.gov/kids/wild_things/wildflowers for a quick reference.

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