Events

National Wildflower Week

National Wildflower Week, May 3 through 10, is the time to celebrate nature's bounty of wildflowers around the nation.

At the Wildflower Center, we are pleased to partner with Texas Highways magazine in hosting an exhibit of Texas wildflower photographs by fine art photographer Rick Tolar. Tolar's wildflower portfolio, "Flowers of Observation" is featured in the April issue of Texas Highways along with a story on four great wildflower viewing drives, titled "Trips to Bountiful."  About 25 of Tolar's photographs will be on display in the Visitors' Gallery from Tuesday, May 5, through Sunday, May 10.

Tolar's stunning close-ups result from years of research and help from his wife, Barbara, and his son, Justin.  Often, to achieve his remarkable effects, he grows wildflowers in pots so he can photograph them in a studio against a black background, using just a trickle of light.

He has taken countless wildflower observation trips from his Austin studio, learning when flowers will reach their peak.  He is fascinated by the differences that rain, temperature and soil can make on the same species of flower.

The Visitors Gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Photographs by Rick Tolar