After an unusually long and cold winter, the heavy rains came down in record-breaking abundance. So, spring showed its glorious beauty in a profusion of color along the Texas roads. By clicking on the photo section above, you can enjoy some views of this extravagant demonstration of Nature's magic. These photographs were taken during April and June of 2010 along a few expressways, mainly 77, 35 and 37. The best spot was on the northbound lane of Highway 37, between Natalia and Devine, just 30 miles south of San Antonio.
Every spring the roadside of most of Texas highways display a variety of different wildflowers. First come the Indian paintbrush, then the bluebonnets (the national flower of Texas) then dozens of different flowers in all sizes and colors, with just one common denominator, the exuberant abundance of them. It is a show that have to be seen to believe it.
It all started with the ambition of a dedicated woman, Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson. After his term was over and they moved back to Texas, she commenced with the beautification of Austin, the capital. All the parks and gardens received a long-needed restoration, and thousands of flowers were planted to achieve her purpose. In 1969 Mrs. Johnson founded the Texas Highway Beautification Awards, and millions of wildflowers seeds were scattered along the roadsides. For the next twenty years, she hosted the annual awards ceremonies and presented her personal checks to the winners.
As the flowers die and the seeds are spread around by the winds, the increment for the next spring is guaranteed. Because of the heavy rains, this year spring manifestation was spectacular.
Maybe next year it will be even better.
No comments:
Post a Comment