Spring 2006 Wildflower Forecast - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

RichO · 03-08-2006, 03:18 PM

Hi All,
FYI, I just posted my South Texas Fall 2005 - Winter 2006 report. The report includes an analysis of rainfall patterns, seedling growth and a forecast of what areas are likely to be the best for wildflower viewing in South Texas (includes the Hill Country, Cuero, and Brenham areas).

This year’s wildflower season is likely to be below average in all parts of South Texas which includes the Texas Hill Country, DeWitt County (Cuero), and Washington County (Brenham). The good news is that Texas wildflowers are a hardy bunch, so there will be wildflowers blooming somewhere in Texas!

You can view the full report at:
http://community.wildflowerhaven.com.../ShowPost.aspx

I'll be adding a seedling report of the North Llano, South San Saba and North Burnet area next week along with a North Texas Fall 2005 - Winter 2006 report.

Shannon · 03-08-2006, 07:56 PM

My Mom was in Schulenburg, Texas, today and reports bluebonnets in and around the area, as well. And the redbuds, while technically not wildflowers, are as you may have noticed looking mighty fine!

RichO · 03-08-2006, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannon

My Mom was in Schulenburg, Texas, today and reports bluebonnets in and around the area, as well. And the redbuds, while technically not wildflowers, are as you may have noticed looking mighty fine!

Thanks for the report Shannon. Reports like this will help us locate the best spots this year.

My definition of "wildflower" includes all flowering plants including the shrubs and trees.

Turn Key · 03-09-2006, 04:59 AM

Will be at Inks Lake (Burnet County) the middle of next month. If I think of it, I'll report back on wildflowers on the route down and in the area. Not expecting a very good display this year but you never know.

Happy Camping!

DayTripper · 03-09-2006, 05:29 AM

The redbuds and dogwoods in the Longview/Tyler area are looking very good. I drove over to the Fairfield area last weekend, and the same trees along the road were beginning to show color.

03-13-2006, 08:46 PM

Hi we just spent the weekend at Canyon of the Eagles. Bluebonnets lined the roadside around Burnet.

RichO · 03-14-2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Hi we just spent the weekend at Canyon of the Eagles. Bluebonnets lined the roadside around Burnet.

Hi David,
Thanks for the report. Did you travel FM-2341? Did it look like this photo from April 2, 2005?
http://www.pbase.com/richo/image/41578313

When I was in the Burnet area on Friday, I saw strips of bluebonnets about 1-2 plants wide along the roadsides of SH-29. There were also some patches here and there, but nothing as thick as I have seen in the past. The best I saw was along US 71 between RR-3404 and RR-2233.
http://www.pbase.com/richo/image/57115648

ploddinTod · 03-15-2006, 09:09 PM

Hey Rich,

Head on over to Hwy 71 between Bastrop and La Grange for bluebonnets.

This area must have received more rain because they are quite thick. Also a nice smattering of paintbrush and primrose.

We chose this drive on Hwy 71, which was a little bit out of our way, because of the scenic rolling hills. When we found the wildflowers were so thick there, it was just an added BONUS. :yes:

RichO · 03-15-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ploddinTod

Hey Rich,

Head on over to Hwy 71 between Bastrop and La Grange for bluebonnets.

This area must have received more rain because they are quite thick. Also a nice smattering of paintbrush and primrose.

We chose this drive on Hwy 71, which was a little bit out of our way, because of the scenic rolling hills. When we found the wildflowers were so thick there, it was just an added BONUS. :yes:

Thanks,
It is going to take "eye-witness" reports to help locate some of the better spots this year. My analysis shows that north and east of Austin are probably going to be better spots.

ploddinTod · 03-16-2006, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichO

Thanks,
It is going to take "eye-witness" reports to help locate some of the better spots this year. My analysis shows that north and east of Austin are probably going to be better spots.

Well.............Okay.

To other motorists who may be in this area, consider this an "eye-witness" report. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

RichO · 03-17-2006, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ploddinTod

Well.............Okay.

To other motorists who may be in this area, consider this an "eye-witness" report. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

PloddinTod,
Sorry, I guess I was not clear. I was thanking you for your "eye-witness" report. Reports like yours are very valuable in locating the better spots in a less than average year. We have had several favorable reports in the La Grange to Hempstead area along SH-159. Based on rainfall analysis the areas to the north and east of Austin (including the Bastrop to La Grange area) faired better in rain during the August 2005 to Feb 2006 time period. The rainfall amounts improve even more as you go further east. We are getting some very favorable reports of bluebonnet growth along SH-6 around Navasota.

In average and above average years, it is much easier to locate spots as the rainfall is usually spread across a wider area.

Again, thank you for your report. I am actually planning a trip next week to that area.

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