Bluebonnets are blooming across Texas! These cheery blue wildflowers are a sign of spring. Bluebonnets grow in fields, along highways, across campus, and in parks. Many people take photos of these native plants and post them on social media.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of the best places to see native Texas plants. The center covers 284 acres (115 ha) and features gardens, wildlands, and arboretums. Nearly 900 native plant species grow there. Wildlife also lives throughout the grounds.
The center combines nature, culture and design. Buildings are made from local stone. The Central Complex shows traditional Texas architecture and modern sustainable horticultural practices. Rainwater harvesting and smart irrigation systems help protect natural resources.
The Wildflower Center is more than a beautiful place. The center promotes conservation, research, and creativity. Visitors learn about native plants and the natural beauty of the Lone Star State.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors should plan their visits in advance by checking hours, admission prices, and special events on the center’s website: https://www.wildflower.org/
Location: 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., daily
Admission:
- Free for UT Austin students with ID
- $15-18 for adults
- $9-12 for youth (ages 3-17)
- Free for children age 2 and under
Explore more details about visiting the center.
The Gardens
The Wildflower Center has six main areas for visitors to explore.
The Central Complex
The Central Complex welcomes visitors at the entrance. Native plants create a strong sense of place. Buildings reflect early Central Texas architecture. Sandstone archways and aqueducts show the Spanish colonial influence, and cut limestone buildings reflect the building style of German immigrants in the 1800s.
The Central Gardens
The Central Gardens are the heart of the Wildflower Center. The gardens inspire home gardeners to use native plants. More than 650 native species grow throughout the center, providing nectar for pollinators, supporting wildlife, and conserving water.
The Family Garden
The Family Garden helps children and their families connect with nature. Families can explore interactive features made from natural materials. The space encourages learning through play.
The Texas Arboretum
The Texas Arboretum features many native Texas trees. An arboretum is a collection of trees used for education and research. At this one, visitors can see bigtooth maples, Texas madrones, pecan trees, and live oaks. A one-mile looping path takes visitors through meadows of grasses and wildflowers.
The Savanna Meadow
The Savanna Meadow sits next to native grassland where visitors can observe plants and wildlife in a natural setting. The area offers peaceful views and open space.
The Hill Country Trails
The Hill Country Trails cover 70 acres (28 ha). Researchers study land management techniques in this area. Prescribed burns and other methods help native grasses and wildflowers grow. Visitors can walk about one mile of trails. Wildflowers, grasses, and wildlife fill the landscape. Visitors may see roadrunners, colorful birds, and even coyotes.
Meet Athena
Athena is the Wildflower Center’s resident great horned owl (Bubo virginianus). She serves as the Official Owl Ambassador of the City of Austin. Great horned owls have lived at the Wildflower Center for more than 10 years.
Athena nests in a visible location above the courtyard entrance. Her nest sits in a sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri) planter in the north corner. Visitors sometimes see her caring for her young after the eggs hatch.
Great horned owls are named for the feather tufts on their heads, which look like horns. Read more interesting facts about great horned owls on the center’s website.
Tuesday Twilights
The Wildflower Center stays open late during Tuesday Twilights, which take place Tuesday evenings from March 24 through May 12.
During Tuesday Twilights, live music from local musicians fills the gardens. Food trucks serve a variety of meals. Adult beverages are available for purchase. Visitors can plan a date night, a picnic with friends, or a quiet solo visit.
Regular admission rates apply. UT Austin students receive free entry with ID. Reservations are encouraged.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center encourages people to care about native plants. Gardens, research and educational programs support this mission. The center opened in 1982 and continues to grow as a leader in ecology and conservation. The Wildflower Center reflects Lady Bird Johnson’s belief that people should care for all native plants, from the smallest sprout to the tallest tree.
This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the English Language Center.
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