Welcoming spring is a joy in Texas – the first signs of budding flowers are popping up along the roadsides, just in time for all our springtime travels. March is also the beginning of Women’s History Month and many newcomers to Texas may be surprised to learn that Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers weren’t always a sure thing along the highways – in fact, Texans owe a debt of gratitude to Ladybird Johnson for her vision of our Beautiful Texas. Down highways, interstates, and farm-to-market roads, you’ll find a blanket of inviting colors painting the landscape from mid-March through May. Thanks to the inspiration of Ladybird Johnson, the Highway Beautification Act was passed in 1965, which has contributed to the ongoing care and stewardship of our shared spaces. Each year, the Texas Department of Transportation “sows about 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds” along Texas highways. Explore this informative Guide to Texas Wild Flowers by TxDOT to plan your next wildflower excursion!
Ladybird Johnson understood that not only do we shape our community, but it also shapes us —
The environment is where we all meet, where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share. It is not only a mirror of ourselves, but a focusing lens on what we can become.
— Speech at Yale University, White House Diary, Oct. 9, 1967
Kelley Farms is back this weekend with beautiful locally-grown hanging baskets, flowers, and garden plant starts. Get your garden springtime ready!
HANGING BASKETS:
- Bridal Veil
- Petunia
- Green Swedish Ivy
- Red Swedish Ivy
VEGGIE TRANSPLANTS:
- Cabbage
- Collards
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Lettuce
- Herbs
- Multiple tomato varieties
FLOWERS:
- Dianthus
- Geraniums
