PRESSROOM
Wildflower Update: Spring 2022 - Due to cooler temperatures earlier in the year, peak bluebonnet season is happening now in Central Texas. 
2022 Wildflower Forecast - Wildflower Center experts predict average but beautiful displays of showy blooms in Central Texas. 
Lee Clippard Selected As Executive Director - Clippard has been an integral part of the Wildflower Center since 2014. 
Dr. Sean Griffin Appointed Director of Science and Conservation - New department will be lead by Dr. Sean Griffin. 
Wildflower Center Receives Field Station Designation - The Wildflower Center was recently designated a field station by The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Natural Sciences. 
Susan Prosperie Receives Nancy Benedict Memorial Award - Wildflower Center Propagation Specialist Susan Prosperie receives award for conservation work.
Armando Cortés Awarded 2021-22 St. Elmo Arts Residency and Fellowship - Armando Cortés' work explores memory, myth, history, geography, experience and materiality. 
Wildflower Center Announces 2021 Fortlandia Designers - Wildflower Center selects Fortlandia's next lineup of secret hideouts. Lee Clippard Appointed Interim Executive Director - Longtime Wildflower Center advocate and director Lee Clippard takes on a new role.
Wildflower Center and Austin Classical Guitar Collaborate on Streaming Concert - Brazilian guitarist Gabriel Santiago partners with Wildflower Center Director of Horticulture Andrea DeLong-Amaya on an online concert inspired by the transformation of winter into spring.
St. Elmo Arts Fellow Dawn Kim’s Work on Display Through May 16 - Dawn Kim, the 2020-2021 St. Elmo Arts Fellow, has a solo installation in the Wildflower Center's Woodland Garden, April 3 - May 16.
2021 Wildflower Season Still on Track After Winter Storm - Unusual winter weather puts a hold on early blooms, resets Texas for a typically beautiful wildflower season. 
Newman To Step Down as Executive Director of Wildflower Center - Executive Director Patrick Newman leaves the Wildflower Center, heads to Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.
Wildflower Center Communications Team Wins 2020 UT Excellence Award - Wildflower Center communications team wins award for outreach during the pandemic.
Wildflower Center Sustainability Efforts Recognized by APGA - Ecosystem Design Group joins several innovative programs and products launched by the Center.
Wildflower Magazine Wins Two GardenComm Media Awards - Editor Amy McCullough and Wildflower magazine win awards from Garden Communicators International.
Wildflower Center Chooses Fortlandia 2020 Designers - Wildflower Center chooses Fortlandia's next round of designers.
Artist-in-Residence Merideth Hillbrand’s Work on Display Through September 2020 - Merideth Hillbrand, the 2019-2020 St. Elmo Artist-in-Residence, shows her work at the McDermott Learning Center.
Wildflower Center’s Consulting Group Establishes Private Practice - Ecosystem Design Group joins several innovative programs and products launched by the Center.
2020 Wildflower Season: Another Early Year for Central Texas - A warm winter spurs earlier than average blooms, and drier conditions prompt a typical turnout this wildflower season.
Texas Hub of Southeastern Grasslands Initiative To Be Established at Wildflower Center - A new partnership will advance landscape conservation and ecological restoration.
Wildflower Center’s K. Angel Horne Wins 2019 UT Excellence Award - Wildflower Center social media coordinator wins award, graphic designer recognized as finalist.
Wildflower Center Chooses 10 Fort Designers for Next Fortlandia - Fortlandia returns with 10 new fort designers.
2019 Wildflower Season Starts Early in Central Texas - Thanks to a mild winter, some blooms are coming early.
Design Workshop Team Selected to Develop Gateway Master Plan - Plan will focus on helping the Center serve more people and advance its role as the official state botanic garden and arboretum of Texas. 
Video Artist Katy McCarthy Will Be Center’s First Artist-in-Residence - Yearlong residency a unique collaboration between the Department of Art and Art History and the Wildflower Center.
2018 Wildflower Season Expected To Be Typical, But Still Terrific - The spring wildflower season is on track to be typical in many parts of Texas, but an average wildflower season is still well worth a road trip.
Wildflower Center Designated Texas State Botanic Garden and Arboretum - The Texas Legislature recognizes the critical role the Wildflower Center plays in conserving the native plants and landscapes of Texas.
2017 Wildflower Forecast - The spring wildflower season in Central Texas may come early this year and be spread out over several months rather than a rush during March and April.
GSA Adopts SITES Rating System Born at the Center - Federal government will use SITES® to implement practices that create and sustain healthy landscapes. 
2016 Wildflower Forecast - Healthy rains in the fall and early winter put Texas on track for a spectacular 2016 spring wildflower season, but spotty rain and unusual warmth recently could dampen displays in some areas.
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants Answers Ten Thousandth Native Plant Question - A free online service from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center that has helped people around the world learn about North American native plants and landscapes hit its 10 thousandth response.
New Executive Director Selected - The Wildflower Center welcomes Patrick Newman from a Utah botanic garden as its executive director beginning Jan.19.
Garden Excellence Award Received - The Wildflower Center received the 2015 Horticulture Magazine Award for Garden Excellence for the Luci and Ian Family Garden last week from the American Public Gardens Association. Landscape Rating System Publicly Available - The most comprehensive program and toolkit for developing sustainable landscapes has become publicly available today.
Texas Wildflower License Plate Available - Texans can now display their wildflower pride by purchasing a Texas Wildflowers specialty license plate in support of the Center. 12 Landscape Projects Certified Sustainable - The Sustainable Sites Initiative program has certified sustainable landscapes at a dozen new locations across the country for meeting rigorous standards for environmental design and performance. 2015 Wildflower Forecast - While cool weather is delaying the wildflower season in parts of Texas, most areas should have great blooms, and some areas already have a great show started for spring. Leberman Foundation Supports Research, Education Initiatives - The Lebermann Foundation commits $1.5 million for endowments on UT Austin's main campus and $250,000 for Wildflower Center research, education activities. Director to Receive Audubon Award - Susan Rieff, Wildflower Center executive director, is receiving a Terry Hershey Award from the Audubon Society for her distinguished career and will be honored next February in Houston. New Mobile App to ID Invasives - A free mobile app called TX Invasives is now available from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin for identifying harmful non-native plant, insect and other invasive species statewide. Four New Landscapes Certified Sustainable - The Sustainable Sites Initiative program led by the Wildflower Center and national collaborators has certified four new landscapes, bringing to 34 the number certified nationally. 2014 Wildflower Forecast - Wildflower Center experts say that many areas in Texas should have great blooms. SITES Program Certifies Four Sustainable Landscapes - The Sustainable Sites Initiative™ program has certified landscapes at a federal courthouse in New Mexico, a Washington, D.C. elementary school, a campus plaza in Washington, D.C., and an urban plaza in Washington state. Habiturf Sod Licensed for Sale - Wildflower Center licenses resource-saving turfgrass to Bladerunner Farms to develop sod available in spring 2014. Sustainable Landscape Rating System Available for Worldwide Use - The most comprehensive system for developing sustainable landscapes, the SITES v2 Rating System, has been released by the Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™) program. Conservation Award to Lady Bird - The National Audubon Society honored Lady Bird Johnson with a Rachel Carson Special Memorial Tribute Award to recognize her environmental influence. Simmons Receives Environmental Award - Dr. Mark Simmons, director of research and consulting at the Wildflower Center, has been recognized for his significant impact on environmental awareness and policy by the state chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Invasive Species Activities Honored - The Wildflower Center received an outstanding achievement award from the National Invasive Species Council for its outreach and educational initiatives to address non-native species. Four More Sustainable Landscapes Certified - The Sustainable Sites Initiative announced four new projects that have achieved certification. 2013 Wildflower Forecast - Early spring wildflowers may not be as plentiful as in 2012 in Texas, but intermittent winter rains will likely help those that grew and summer wildflowers to bloom. 700,000 Pines Grown for Bastrop - The Wildflower Center has been selected by the Texas A&M Forest Service as the local grower of loblolly pines to restore wildfire-damaged Bastrop County. Wildflower Center Awards Conservation Grants - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center distributed $638,000 in conservation grants for federally endangered species to eight organizations supporting 5 Texas plants and animals. Lady Bird Transportation Honor - Lady Bird Johnson inducted into the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor. Eight Landscape Projects SITES Certified - The Sustainable Sites Initiative™ has announced eight projects that have achieved certification. New Lady Bird Stamp Announced - The U.S. Postal Service will mark the centennial of Lady Bird Johnson's birth by releasing a new stamp in her honor. Updated Homeowner Website on Sustainable Landscaping Released - A site that teaches everyday citizens the ins and outs of landscape sustainability has taken on a new, more user-friendly look while offering downloadable teaching resources. $1 Million for Family Garden - Luci Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin have donated $1 million to the university's Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to develop a Family Garden bearing their names. 2012 Wildflower Forecast - The Wildflower Center's senior botanist reports that timely rains last fall and this winter have benefited early spring wildflowers, which will likely put on a good show in parts of Texas. Lady Bird Centennial Website Unveiled - A new website is available with Lady Bird Centennial Year information and events, developed in her honor by the Wildflower Center. First SITES Certified Landscape Projects Announced - The Sustainable Sites Initiative announced the first projects to be certified by the most comprehensive national system for rating sustainable built landscapes. SITES Honored for Green Industry Contributions - The Sustainable Sites Initiative earned the 2011 Gold Medal Award from the Professional Grounds Management Society in recognition of outstanding contributions to the green industry. Grant Received for Green Roof Study - Dr. Mark Simmons received a three-year, $88,000 grant to study the performance of vegetated roofs modified to function in hot, dry climates. Drought-stricken Juniper Concerns - Texas drought sucks cedar trees dry, increasing wildfire risk and potentially deforesting landscapes. Bison Sightings on Grounds - An escaped buffalo is using the Wildflower Center's native landscaping as a temporary home. Citizen Scientist Programs Success Highlighted - A program that harnesses volunteers throughout Texas to collect conservation data has been highlighted as a model citizen scientist program in the June issue of the journal Bioscience. Native Lawn Performance Research - A lawn of regionally native grasses would take less resources to maintain while providing as lush a carpet as a common turfgrass used in the South, according to a study by ecologists at The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 2011 Wildflower Forecast - Little rain last fall in much of Texas means bluebonnets and other early spring wildflowers will not be as impressive as last year’s display. Center Establishes Sustainability Directory - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has unveiled an online tool for determining UT activities focused on sustainability. Treaty Oak Clone in Center Arboretum - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will plant a genetically identical copy of Austin’s famous Treaty Oak in the Center’s developing Texas Arboretum. New Green Roof Study - The Wildflower Center studies improving water-handling capabilities of vegetated roofs. Homeowner Landscaping Web Site - A new website developed by the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center brings homeowners comprehensive advice on creating nature-friendly, sustainable landscapes. Austin Invasives Management Plan Developed - At its meeting last Thursday, the Austin City Council approved up to $100,000 to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to oversee creation of a coordinated management plan for addressing invasive plants on city lands. $1.4 Million to Create Texas Arboretum - A $1.4 million donation to the Wildflower Center will establish an arboretum to showcase the diversity and importance of native Texas trees. Online Homeowner Resources for Adding Native Plant Beds - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers how-to guides and other resources for homeowners considering environmentally friendly landscaping approaches. Green Roof Stormwater Capacity Studied - The Austin City Council approved $10,000 to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to study how much rainwater manufactured green roof products can capture. Sustainable Sites Pilot Projects Announced - The Sustainable Sites Initiative that the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center helps lead has selected pilot projects to test a national rating system for sustainable landscape design, construction and maintenance. Invasive Species Educational Site Enhanced - Texas' invasive species website debuts a user-friendly redesign that includes new interactive features. LBJ Museum Plaza, Lady Bird Johnson Center Dedicated - On the dedication of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum Plaza and the Lady Bird Johnson Center at The University of Texas at Austin. New Landscape Rating System Released - A partnership including the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center today released the nation’s first rating system for the design, construction and maintenance of sustainable landscapes, with or without buildings. Simmons Advises Clinton Climate Initiative - Dr. Mark Simmons, a restoration ecologist at The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, has been invited to join the technical advisory group for the Clinton Climate Initiative. Seed Bank Project Reaches Major Milestone - An international partnership of 54 countries led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and including the Wildflower Center is celebrating a decade of work to set aside seeds for future generations. Research Shows Wildflower Win - PRESSROOM Wildflower Center Announces 2021 Fortlandia Designers MORE THAN 40 YEARS AGO, Lady Bird Johnson started her campaign to beautify the nation’s highways. A key element in her arsenal was the planting of wildflowers along roadsides. This year, Wildflower Center landscape restoration staff reported results of a research project begun in 2004 that compared the […]
Teaching AISD Teachers - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will teach their native plant curriculum to the first group of hundreds of fourth grade Austin ISD teachers as part of a new instructional agreement. 2009 Wildflower Forecast - Recent rains will help Engelmann daisy and some other wildflowers this season but can’t make up for sparse rain last fall. $500,000 Urban Sustainability Grant - An interdisciplinary university team including Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center staff has received $500,000 from the University of Texas System to develop an integrated approach to address rapid urbanization, sustainability. Sustainable Landscape Guidelines Developed - The Sustainable Sites Initiative, a partnership including the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, invites public comment on a new report. Waitt Joins Invasive Advisory Committee - Dr. Damon Waitt, the lead botanist at The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, has been elected a member of the advisory committee for the National Invasive Species Council. Green Roof Capabilities Studied - The first study to compare the performance of different types of green roofs has been completed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Pollination Habits of Endangered Texas Rice Revealed to Help its Preservation - A study led by the Wildflower Center has revealed that a type of wild rice that only grows in a small stretch of the San Marcos River is likely so rare because it plays the sexual reproduction game poorly. New Texas Organization to Combat Invasive Plants and Pests - Texas has joined more than 25 states with organizations established specifically to protect native species from invasive plants and pests. Using Fires to Limit Wildfire Damage - Supervised prescribed summer burns play a role in preventing wildfire damage. Landscape Structures Commits $200,000 to Sustainable Sites Initiative - Landscape Structures Inc. commits $200,000 to support the Sustainable Sites Initiative. Wildflower Center Research Receives $100,000 Boost from AMD - AMD announced a $100,000 landscape restoration grant for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Wildflower Center to be Honored for Work on Green Landscapes - The Wildflower Center has been selected to receive the 2008 Olmsted Medal for contributions to landscape architecture from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Lady Bird Johnson Commemorated with National Exhibit at US Botanic Garden - The First Lady whose beautification work in the nation’s capital is in bloom today will be honored at the United States Botanic Garden. 2008 Wildflower Forecast - An average display of wildflowers is expected this year in Central Texas because of sparse rains, although the situation could quickly improve. Teaching the Teachers about Native Plants - National Parks professionals and Boys and Girls Clubs of America gather at the Wildflower Center to study ways of connecting children to native plants and National Parks. New Report Brings Sustainable Landscapes Mainstream - A report released today featuring over 200 recommendations for designing and building sustainable landscapes, will help usher sustainable landscape design into mainstream use. Texas Invasive Plant Conference Seeks to Combat Growing Threat - The purpose of the conference is to inform and educate the public, land managers, researchers and others on the serious impact invasive plants have on biodiversity, native flora, fauna and natural ecosystems. Wildflower Center Researchers Describe How to the Environmental Risks of Limited Plant Selection in Landscape Design - Reliance by landscape designers on a small selection of often non-native plant species limits landscape design and poses significant environmental risk according to a recent report published. The Austonian Helps Fund Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Green Roof Research Project - Second Congress Ltd., developer of the Austonian luxury high-rise condominium project, announced it is supporting the Green Roof Research Project. Meadows Foundation Awards $262,000 Grant to Create Standards for Sustainable Landscapes - The Meadows Foundation of Dallas has awarded the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of The University of Texas at Austin a $262,000 grant. Wildflower Center, Mithun Develop Tool to Combat Climate Change - Concern about climate change has prompted the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Mithun, a leading sustainable design company, to develop a web-based tool for calculating and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Descendant of Treaty Oak to be Planted at Wildflower Center During 118th Official State Arbor Day Celebrate - The Texas Forest Service and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are pleased to announce America's National Tree “The Oak,” will be the star attraction at the 118th Official State of Texas Arbor Day Celebration. 2007 Wildflower Forecast - Above average rainfall in Central Texas could mean good things for wildflower displays and the many wildflower enthusiasts that enjoy them each spring. Wildflower Center Revamps Plant Information Network with Garden Planning in Mind - The Native Plant Information Network (NPIN), already one of the most comprehensive online resources for native plant information, is now much more useful to landscaping professionals and home gardeners. Wildflower Center Receives Houston Endowment Grant for Houston Area Plant - Houston Endowment has awarded the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center a three-year grant to collect and conserve seeds of native plants in the Houston and East Texas area. Wildflower Center officially becomes part of The University of Texas at Austin - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is now officially a component of The University of Texas at Austin. Wildflower Center to Hold Conference on Conservation Development - The economics of conservation development will be the subject of a two-day conference at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. University of Texas System Regents Authorize Union of The University of Texas at Austin, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas Board of Regents today (June 20) authorized the execution of a Memorandum of Intent to make the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center a component of The University of Texas at Austin. Stakeholders Making Progress on Blue Hole Regional Park Master Plan - Guided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center team, the stakeholders in the Blue Hole Regional Park process are well along on developing the direction and focus of the regional park. Texas Discovery Gardens Joins the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Affiliate Program - These affiliate relationships help the Wildflower Center broaden its mission to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. An Improved Texas Wildflower Guide, Updated by Wildflower Center Botanist - Some 22 years after it was first published, a revered field guide to Texas wildflowers, Texas Wildflowers by the late Campbell and Lynn Loughmiller, has a new look and up-to-date information. Ann and OJ Weber Butterfly Garden - This garden, designed by Judy Walther of Environmental Survey Consulting, demonstrates the codependent relationship of plants and insects, and the critical role of pollinators in sustaining biodiversity. 2006 Wildflower Forecast - Lower than average rainfall in the fall of 2005 could mean a lower than usual wildflower display this spring for most of Travis County. Town Lake Tree Restoration - A joint effort of the Wildflower Center and the Town Lake Trail Foundation. Wildflower Center Volunteers - In 2005, the Wildflower Center's 400 volunteers selflessly contributed 21,200 hours of their time to make Lady Bird's vision a reality. Pulling Together Initiative - First statewide conference on invasive plant species convenes in Austin Wildflower Center, HK Insights Team Up - Partnership to produce home fragrance and personal care items Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to donate Labor Day admissions proceeds to American Red Cross for disaster relief. NASA Teams with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin's Wildflower Center awarded grant to create a native plant landscape master plan at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Wildflower Center Announces New Affiliate Relationships - National and international organizations join forces to promote native plants. Wildflower Center Launches New Study on Green Roof Building - Stratus property Starbucks in South Austin to serve as pilot project. Native Plants Magazine Wins 2005 Dalton Pen Communication Award - Flagship publication of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center receives international recognition from Warwick Publishing. 2005 Wildflower Forecast - Fall rain yields good display of wildflowers for Travis County, but Bluebonnets may suffer in some areas due to fungal infections. Wildflower Center Partners with Texas Coffee Traders - Special "Bluebonnet Blend" coffee will benefit the environment. Wildflower Center to Distribute Teresa Autumn Sage - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center signs agreement to serve as Texas propagator and distributor of patent-pending plant.