Wildflowers and miniature donkeys near Independence

I hit the back roads east of Austin, near Independence, Texas, and what a bonanza of bluebonnets and other wildflowers I saw. Plus donkeys!… Read More

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A couple weeks ago, I went on wildflower safari south of Austin, east of San Antonio, and saw some good flower fields. But this above-average wildflower year called for a second safari. On Friday, my husband and I hit the back roads east of Austin, near tiny Independence, Texas. And wowza, what a bonanza of bluebonnets and other wildflowers we saw!

I like to head out in mid-afternoon and stay through sunset to get lower, more golden light for photos. One of our first good sightings was a yellow field of golden groundsel, glowing in late afternoon.

A crazy quilt of wildflowers was laid out along the highway’s edge.

The countryside is beautiful between Giddings and Independence/Brenham. Rolling fields, broad-canopied trees, and wildflowers galore greeted us around every bend in the road.

Indian paintbush and Texas bluebonnets — a favorite spring combo

Bluebonnets making a denim-blue haze on a green field

More paintbrush and bluebonnets, with a smattering of pink evening primrose in the foreground.

Farther along, bluebonnets dominated.

The sweet scent of bluebonnets by the thousands adds more delight to a scene like this.

Blues on the green, country style

Along one private drive, we spotted a swath of Indian paintbrush and bluebonnets. What a welcome home for the owners!

A closeup view

And a side view

Across the road, coreopsis (I think) added a splash of yellow.

Unfortunately, bastard cabbage is getting a toehold here, as elsewhere throughout our state. If you’re not familiar, bastard cabbage is a tall, airy, yellow, nonnative wildflower — pretty but terribly invasive — that is taking over and crowding out our native Texas wildflowers. If it shows up o