Texas Bluebonnets, a wild drive.
While the first thought that comes to mind about Texas’ highways is that they’re always riddled with construction, the 300+ miles of wildflower highways deep in the heart of the state are a testament to efforts in beautifying Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation is committed to sowing 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed each year in the winter, painting the highways with astounding color and adding a new dimension of beauty to the roadside. This natural attraction receives yearly attention from people near and far as they traverse Texas’ vast flower fields. In the spring months, a Texas road trip will greet visitors with abundant swathes of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, Blanket flowers, and pink evening primroses nestled in every corner, as far as the eye can see.
Even better, preserving the flora of Texas can be done from your own backyard. There are over 2,700 species of wildflower native to Texas; the choices are limitless in what kind of garden you can grow! After purchasing wildflower seeds from a reputable seller, sow them closely to the soil and water the area daily for three weeks. The seeds will then bloom in the spring, bringing the most radiant piece of Texas highways into your very own home, cultivating a love for the state’s nature.
Bluebonnet Seedlings
Additional Links for Additional Knowledge.
- TX Dept of Transportation buys and sows 30,000 pounds of wildflower seed each year
- Encourages people to visit them but also maintain responsibility for taking care of them; don’t trample, pick, etc.
- They germinate during winter months
- Bluebonnets, our state flower, are among these wildflowers that are planted!
- Great care goes into beautifying TX highways, also a nice scenic route
