March 2, 2022
Spring will soon make its colorful debut at the Garden!
Lupinus texensis at the Garden along Sims Bayou
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower season is magical. At the Garden, Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet), Callirhoe involucrata (winecup), and Eryngium leavenworthii (Leavenworth’s eryngo) will start to show off their vibrant blooms soon.
Texans have long been enamored with the wildflowers that line our highways, in large part because of Lady Bird Johnson. A shy child, she spent her days outside in the piney woods and cypress bayous of East Texas. Walking through the McNair Foundation Cypress Forest and Loblolly Forest – amidst the dragonflies and hawks, butterflies, bluebirds, turtles, fish, and even the occasional eagle! – admiring the Taxodium distichum (bald cypress), aquatic Pontederia cordata (pickerelweed), and geometric Sabal minor (dwarf palmetto) along the path, I can see why she never considered herself lonely.
Another Texas woman, Dr. Eula Whitehouse, ensured that we know the names of these beautiful blooms with her popular book, Texas Flowers in Natural Colors. The contributions of women to botany over time have included the study of plant structure and cell function by Katherine Esau, the first trained botanist to receive the National Medal of Science; the diligent documentation of countless plants for scientific study by Maria Sibylla Merian; discovery and collection of hundreds of thousands of plants by Ynés Mexía, and locally by Mary Sophie Young; the study of plant genetics to develop sugarcane for India for their economic independence by Janaki Ammal; and many, many more.
We celebrate these brilliant female botanists and the many other women who, throughout history, have contributed to advancing the field of botany. As you take in the beauty of the wildflowers and other spring blooms, know that we have many pioneering women to thank for them, including my namesake, mi tocaya, Lady Bird Johnson.
Claudia Gee Vassar, President & General Counsel
Breathtaking views, snacks from the Garden Café, and cocktails inspired by our Global Collection and Culinary Garden await! On Saturday, March 19, our Trail Mixology experience will offer attendees a memorable stroll through nature, while enjoying drinks accented by tasty herbs, beautiful flowers, and lush foliage you can grow at home.
All attendees must be 21+. Admission is $40 for non-members and $25 for members and includes entry, snacks, tastings, and a commemorative cup.
What’s Happening at the Garden
Get those lawn chairs and blankets ready, our Sunday Concert Series is back! Groove with us every Sunday between April 3 and May 8 to live music that celebrates our city’s cultural diversity and its musical artistry.
Performances begin at 3 p.m. and are included in the cost of general admission. Concessions, table rentals, reserved seating, and VIP packages are available for an additional charge. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students (must show valid student ID), and $10 for children ages 3 and older. Our Sunday Concert Series is free to members.
Horticulture Help
When will my bluebonnets bloom?
Good news — it’s almost time! Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet) should bloom this year starting in early March and last until early April. If it doesn’t get too hot, too quickly, they could potentially stick around for longer.
What about my other perennial bulbs?
Bulbs, including Tulipa (tulips) and Narcissus (daffodils), should bloom this month. Like bluebonnets, tulips especially will last longer if it’s cooler when they are in bloom. If temperatures get into the 70s, however, these bulbs may only dazzle for a short time.
Making Memories at the Garden
Explore our Events Calendar for more upcoming opportunities to grow your gardening knowledge.
For Jenna Lindley, a charitable spirit runs in the family. Inspired by her parents, Shelli and Steve Lindley, she announced the creation of a next-generation group called the Bloomers at a garden party in April 2021. With the goal of making philanthropy fun and connecting young conservation enthusiasts, the group offers a program of quarterly socials as well as exclusive Second Saturday events for members.
Lindley says her motivation for starting the Bloomers was to safeguard the success and longevity of the Houston Botanic Garden. “We have to ensure that there is buy-in from the next generation of leaders so that the Garden continues to thrive and doesn’t languish as time goes on.”
You can make a donation to our annual fund at any time by clicking here or texting give2garden to 71777.
