March 27, 2025
Two weekends in a row I spent a few hours at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, first to see what was in bloom and then to support the launch of horticulture director Andrea DeLong-Amaya’s new book, The Texas Native Plant Primer.
Redbuds were in bloom two weeks ago — a week ahead of my own.
Carolina jessamine was going strong — just as it was finishing up in my garden.
Here’s something I don’t have at home this year — the iconic Texas bluebonnet! Bluebonnets are scarce to nonexistent this spring along Austin roadsides, where they normally turn verges blue. It’s been sad not to see them — drought kept seedlings from sprouting last fall — so this little patch at the Wildflower Center made me smile.
Long live the bluebonnets! They’ll be back next year, weather gods willing.
The second weekend, golden groundsel was aglow in the entry gardens.
Yellows instead of blues — we’ll take it and not cry about it.
Maidenhair fern was happy alongside a dripping pool.
While I don’t have pics to share, both weekends my companions and I strolled out to the arboretum to swing under the big live oaks. For a short time, I was a kid again, pumping my legs for the sky.
Before Andrea’s presentation, we popped into the gift shop, where I spotted my book Lawn Gone! front and center.
Thanks for carrying and featuring it, Wildflower Center staff!
Andrea’s new book is here too, eye-catching with that cactus-curious rabbit and flowering native plants on the cover. Look for a review from me soon here at Digging!
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Digging Deeper
Come learn about a visionary xeriscape and pollinator garden called SummerHome at my next Garden Spark presentation on April 10th at 7:30 pm! Tickets are on sale now. I’m excited to welcome Lisa Negri to my Garden Spark speaker series and introduce her to a Texas audience of appreciative native plant lovers. Hear how she transformed an empty lot into an oasis for wildlife and neighbors. The talk will be held at Leaf Landscape Supply (north location), and tickets must be purchased in advance. Join us for an evening of learning, inspiration, and community with fellow garden lovers!
Shop the Spring Native Plant Sale at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center each weekend from March 28 to April 27, 9 am to 1 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm). The first weekend (March 28-30) is open only to Wildflower Center members, but it’s easy to join. Plant sale admission is free. Bring your own wagon or cart to transport your treasures.
Come to the Austin Cactus and Succulent Society Show & Sale at Zilker Botanical Garden on March 29-30 from 10 am to 5 pm. Includes a plant show with specimen cacti and succulents, handcrafted pottery, daily silent auction and hourly plant raffles, and expert advice. Admission is included with paid admission to Zilker Garden.
Tour 5 unique Houston gardens on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am to 4 pm, during the Garden Conservancy’s Open Day Tour for Houston. Tickets must be purchased online in advance through the Garden Conservancy.
Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here!
All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
