The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is deeply rooted in Central Texas, and our staff and volunteers are mourning the tremendous loss felt across our region. As our founder Lady Bird Johnson once said, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Rain lilies are popping up everywhere, reminding us that healing begins in small ways.
 
If you’re looking for a way to support flood recovery, we encourage you to consider giving to the Kerr County Relief Fund, managed by @cftexashillcountry.
 
See link in bio and stories to give, and please take care of yourselves and each other.

📷 Laurence Parent

Know a teen who could use a little less screen time and a little more green time? 🌿 This week’s Teen Wellness Workshop will offer a space to reset, reconnect, and recharge.

Led by @atxyogagirl , this half-day experience blends mindful movement, breathwork, nature journaling, and time outside to help teens (ages 13–17) slow down and feel more grounded. 

Friday, July 11 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
🔗 Registration info at the link in our bio

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #AustinTeens #ATXYoga #ATXYogaGirl

⚠️ Weather Update 7/5: Early Closure

The Wildflower Center has closed early today (Saturday, July 5) due to rain and the threat of severe weather. The safety of our guests and staff is always our top priority.

Stay safe, and we’ll share any updates here as needed.
Thank you for your understanding! 🌧️💨

🔗 wildflower.org/visit

Looking for a fun way to beat the heat? Join us at @austinpbs on Tuesday, July 15, at 10:00 AM for a FREE family screening of Walking with Dinosaurs! Step into a prehistoric adventure with giant dinos on the big screen, and discover cool facts about these incredible creatures—perfect for kids of all ages. 

📍 Austin PBS | 6101 Highland Campus Dr., Austin, TX
Free and open to the public + Free Parking!

Mark your calendars—we can’t wait to see you there! 🦕🎬 Check our bio and stories for the link to RSVP!

If you’re into native plants like us, here’s some great news: you can get rewarded for turning your yard into a water-efficient paradise! By replacing part of your lawn with native plants (at least 200 sq. ft.), you could earn up to $3,000 in rebates through the @austin_water WaterWise Landscape Rebate program. Plus, native plants reduce water use and support local wildlife – it’s a win-win!

Austin Water also offers rebates for rainwater harvesting systems and landscaping features like rain gardens that help keep rainwater where it’s needed most. It’s a simple way to save water and boost your yard’s resilience through our hot summers.

Learn more and find their online application form at the link in our bio.

📷 Wildflower Center  

#NativePlants #WaterConservation #AustinWater #SustainableLandscaping #WaterWise #AustinTX

What’s in Season: Pyramid Bush (Melochia tomentosa) 🌿

Known by many names, from Teabush to Velvety Melochia, Pyramid Bush is blooming now at the Wildflower Center! With magenta blooms and a unique, fuzzy texture, this hardy subshrub thrives in dry, rocky areas and can grow up to 8 feet tall. It’s a total pollinator powerhouse, buzzing with bees and butterflies who flock to its nectar-rich flowers. Find it in full bloom from April through October.

P.S. We’re open today with our summer hours from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)! wildflower.org/visit

#WildflowerCenter #StayWild #TexasWildflowers #ButterflyFriendly #PollinatorPlants

Some fun Friday news! A hummingbird has been spotted feeding her chicks in a nest near our front entrance cistern. These are likely black-chinned hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri), one of two species commonly found in Central Texas (the other being ruby-throated hummingbirds).

The nest itself is a tiny marvel, measuring just about two inches across. Hummingbirds construct these with plant down, spider silk, and bits of lichen for camouflage. The spider silk gives the nest a bit of stretch, allowing it to expand as the chicks grow, like nature’s version of elastic.

Chicks need to be fed roughly every 20 minutes, so their mother stays busy throughout the day, gathering nectar and insects to keep up with their rapid growth.

Thanks to Bill J. Boyd for capturing this special moment!

#Hummingbirds #BlackChinnedHummingbird #WildflowerCenter #StayWild #TexasBirds #BirdNesting #NativeBirds