Wildflower Archive

May 11, 2012- Indian blankets abound all around Washington County these days. Their little "firewheel" image doesn't put on a big display from afar, but when you stop to get up close and personal with them, they sure are pretty! Besides those little red beauties, we still have white prickly poppies, purple plumeless thistle, and yellow coreopsis.

 

April 24, 2012 - Indian blankets (firewheels), vibrant yellow coreopsis, white prickly poppies, tall purple/pink plumeless thistle and the soft airy greenish/white American wild carrot flowers are  found all over Washington County! The Indian blankets are the deep red with bright yellow tip flat-faced flowers may be harder to see due to their deep color in the green grasses, but a must-see in mass! Great spots are on FM 390 across from Old Baylor Park in Independence and the corner FM 50 and Hwy. 105 and Business 36 north near Hohlt Park. As for the other flowers listed above, you can't miss them. They are EVERYWHERE! Our bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes have faded and are going to seed. We may look a bit shaggy with the taller grasses, but we must wait to mow for at least 2 weeks after wildflowers go to seed. This will ensure seeds for 2013 wildflowers! We'd love to see your wildflower pictures! Post on our Flickr page! ~ Seneca

 

April 19, 2012 - We are nearing the end of our bluebonnet season, but there are still other beautiful flowers to be seen. Just this morning I was at the Westwood Gifts/Scoops on Hwy 290 West and across the highway is a large field of indian paintbrush. If you want to see bluebonnets, you're too late. But if you want to see a lot of other flowers, come on over. The indian blankets are growing more plentiful, as are the white prickly poppies, and many others. ~ Jenny :-)

 

April 13, 2012 - Great breezes and TONS of fabulous events, activities happening all weekend long! We still have a few bluebonnet patches, but most are going to seed or may be hidden by the tall grass. However, the open field at Hwy. 290 and Jozwaik Road is still pretty, as well as the fenced field on FM 1155 near FM 912 (northern part near Washington-on-the-Brazos). As our bluebonnets head off to seed, the Indian blanket (or firewheel) has great patches along Hwy. 105 between FM 50 and FM 912. Indian blankets are a bit harder to see because of their deep red petals just tipped with yellow. Also, enjoy the tall wispy white prickly poppy in mass on Hwy. 105, FM 912 and Hwy. 290! The foxglove on FM 1948 and Ganske Road near Burton is beautiful. Come on out to the country and do a bit of exploring... and enjoy all the great things happening this weekend! ~ Seneca

 

April 10, 2012 - Could we bottle this weather, please? Another beautiful day in Washington County! Check our home page to see the field featured on KTRK- TV, Channel 13 yesterday with reporter Deborah Wrigley. The field is located at Hwy. 290 and Jozwaik Road. Meander down Hwy. 290 West, turn on FM 1948 and to Ganske Road. Enjoy lots of wildflowers - bluebonnets, coreopsis, foxglove, Indian paintbrush, winecups, Englemann's daisy, pink evening primroses and more. Take your time to just enjoy the weather and beautiful, beautiful landscape! - Seneca

 

April 9, 2012 - This is an incredible day for sightseeing! Wildflowers are all over... you just need to slow down and search and you won't be disappointed! FM 1155 between Freidens United Church of Christ and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site has a few fields of must-see bluebonnets in fenced fields. Please remember to take a look at our Do's & Don'ts for your safety and respect for private property. The mixed wildflower displays at Old Baylor Park in Independence sparkle in the sunshine with backdrops of the sprawling live oak trees and histroic Old Baylor columns and historic homes and a school house. Take your time to wander our country roads and see the green grasses, happy livestock, full stock ponds and butterflies. Don't forget the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival, Blue Bell Fun Run and The Sundown Social for Washington-on-the-Brazos. These are just a few great events for this weekend! ~ Seneca

 

April 7, 2012 - Well, I went for a little drive yesterday along FM 390 from Burton to Independence to check up on all the flowers I'd seen a couple of weeks ago. There are lot more Indian paintbrush than bluebonnets now, as well as a lot of other wildflowers. It seems the bluebonnets are on their way out; definitely a lot smaller now, and the weeds are getting taller, which doesn't help. Driving along FM 390 from Burton, I took a right down Quail Run Road and found some bluebonnets along the way. That road winds around and meets up with Hoddeville School Road, which meets back up with FM 390 just before Hwy 36. Much to my surprise, there are still lots of wildflowers along that road. Blue, orange, yellow, purple, fusia, red, pink, white ... LOTS of colors! (I don't know the names of them all, but they are really pretty!) And LOTS of butterflies! I stopped along a nice patch where those two roads connect to try to take a picture and there were probably 50 butterflies of various types just fluttering around all the flowers, really enjoying themselves. :-) 

 

From there I continued on FM 390, across Hwy 36, and drove 8 miles to Old Indepenence Road. It snuck up on me, so I had to make a u-turn. Oops! Word to the wise, if you're driving east, clock 7 miles and slow down. The sign for Old Independence Road is right on top of the road! I decided to use it instead of FM 50 because I wanted to see more country and look for flowers and I wasn't disappointed. Yes, they are less, but this road I think is prettier than FM 50 to get back to Brenham. Besides the flowers, it's just a nice country road.

 

If you want to see flowers, hurry over. They may be less, or may be a different color than blue, but it's still worth the trip. ~ Jenny :-)

 

April 6, 2012 - FM 1155, FM 50, and FM 390 have great areas of wildflower patches ... vibrant yellow coreopsis, coral Indian Paintbrush, white prickly poppies, pink evening primroses, and the Texas Bluebonnet! Roam these pretty roads through Washington County and enjoy the fantastic spring weather! As an added bonus, Washington-on-the-Brazos is open on Easter! ~ Seneca

 

April 5, 2012 - Happy Easter! Our bluebonnets may have peaked, but they are still out and very pretty! As are many other flowers! FM 1155 from Chappell Hill all the way north to Washington-on-the-Brazos is a great trail to blaze. Keep your eyes peeled after making a right turn halfway through your journey ... you'll see a nice mix of flowers. And beyond the bend you'll find bluebonnets on both sides of the road. FM 390 from Burton to Independence is a beautiful drive. If you have time, take a side trip down Quail Run Rd southeast of FM 390 between Burton & Hwy 36. Or go north on Sun Oil Rd from FM 390 near Independence. NOTE:We'll be on the lookout this weekend and ready to give a full report Monday, so stay posted if you're planning to visit next week! ~Jenny :-)

 

April 4, 2012 - The morning mist hung over Washington County softening the colors of all the wildflowers as cows grazed on the emerald green grasses up to their bellies. Life is good in these green rolling hills. We still have fabulous wildflowers, so jump in the car and come over and spend the Easter holiday with us. FM 390, the La Bahia Trail, proves to be one of the scenic roads stretching across the northern territory of Washington County from Old Washington to Burton. Enjoy the small winding road as you pass fenced fields of livestock and wildflowers. Coreopsis (vibrant yellow), Indian Paintbrush, Bluebonnets, Prairie Verbena, Foxglove and more abound. ~ Seneca

 

April 3, 2012 - What a great day to head to the park... Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site for wildflowers! Make sure you go in the Visitor Center for the latest information about the wildlfower sightings in the park. Sport the comfy shoes for some great walks on the trails and down Ferry Road! ~ Seneca

 

March 30, 2012 – Wild About Wildflowers!
Check out FM 390 between Hwy. 36 and Burton. Quail Run Road has some gorgeous fields! Take your time and enjoy! Please remember to honor private property. Fences are there for a reason. Take a look at our Do’s & Don’ts to make sure this is a very pleasurable/safe trip through the wildflowers of Washington County! Have you ever seen YELLOW Indian paintbrush? Play ‘treasure hunt’ through Old Baylor Park in Independence and see if you can find these little beauties! Also at Old Baylor Park check out the blooming Bee Blossom (tall, spiky and pale pink flowers on top). This is part of the Evening Primrose family!

 

March 29, 2012 - It's Peak Time!
Spectacular fields.... let the hunt begin! Head down Salem Road to see a nice patch of Obedient Plant (tall, thin spikes with lavender flowers) mixed with yellow flowers. Pleasant Hill Winery has  a great patch of Indian paintbrush and bluebonnets! Head south of FM 389, northwest on FM 2502 and south on FM 2714 to the Winedale Historic Complex. Along the way, enjoy the scenery of these quiet country roads. Check out the fenced pasture of bluebonnets on your way! 3738 FM 2714, Round Top. ~Seneca

 

March 27, 2012 - B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! The weather has been incredible for a week! It's breathtaking. Fields near Old Baylor Park in Independence have bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush. Old Baylor's Texas Stork's Bill or Crane's Bill (geranium family) is about to bloom! All these roads have some beautiful scenery on the roadside and/or in pastures. Some yellow coreopsis patches can be seen on FM 50. We are in peak and the weather is supposed to be great all week. Hop in the car and come on over! ~ Seneca

March 24, 2012 - The day started out foggy, but the sun finally chased the clouds away around noon. And what a beautiful day it turned into! After watching the Poor Boy Model A Car Tour take off to Washington-on-the-Brazos, I headed out west in search of more wildflowers. Hwy 290 West is gorgeous! There are bluebonnets and indian paintbrushes everywhere between Brenham and Burton!!! From Burton I headed east on FM 390 and found an incredible show of at least five different flowers spread beautifully across Washington County. The entire FM 390 from Burton to Hwy 36 North is full of flowers along the road, in pastures, and yards. And down Hoddeville School Road, not even a quarter mile, is a fabulous field full of wildflowers of all types (pictured at right). This field was a real treat to find and is possibly one of the best out there right now. Please be respectful when you find these treasures ... most are private property, so stay on the public side of the fence and be careful of your step when trying to get the best shot.  ~Jenny :-)

 

March 23, 2012 - Brenhamites, you don't have to travel far to find great bluebonnets! Look behind JC Penney on Becker Drive at the corner of Becker & Stone Hill Dr. (See picture at left) Beautiful bluebonnets and even a little patch of Indian Paintbrush. ALSO, at the light at FM 577 (Blue Bell Rd) and Hwy 290 East, turn into the industrial park. That road loops back to Hwy 290 and about half way around is a fantastic field of bluebonnets. Plus, it's a safe zone! (See picture at  right) If you need an exact address for your GPS, use 3015 South Blue Bell Road, Brenham. Enjoy!!!  ~Jenny :-)

 

March 23, 2012 - Wildflowers in Washington County love this beautiful spring weather; we’re seeing more bluebonnets every day, along with lots of other colorful plants. Many roadsides are sprinkled with blooms and some large fields are turning a deep shade of blue. There are large areas of Indian paintbrush and even some Indian blanket, also called firewheel. In Brenham, at the Hwy. 290-Hwy. 36 intersection, the field behind Walmart is quite large and colorful now. Stop by the Visitor Center at 115 West Main in historic downtown Brenham for bluebonnet trail maps and up-to-date information.  ~Lu

 

March 21, 2012 - CHILLY start this morning following yesterday's downpours (still not complaining!), but look at these little beauties at Old Baylor Park in Independence! Bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush (see the picture), white wild onion and splashes of Apache Tea (yellow frilly flower) blanket the back side of the park. Tomorrow we'll post some of the other flowers seen in pretty Washington County! Stay Tuned!  ~Seneca

 

March 19, 2012 – With a colorful mix of wildflowers, Old Baylor Park in Independence is more beautiful with each passing day. Scattered areas of bluebonnets and other wildflowers can be found on many Washington County roads and will continue to become more visible over the next few weeks. Scattered patches of bluebonnets can be found along Hwy 290 from Chappell Hill to Brenham, on portions of FM 390, FM 1155 and Hwy. 105. William Penn Road (which connects Hwy 105 to FM 390) also has several showy fields of bluebonnets to see. FM 390 from Hwy 105 to Independence has a lot of Indian Paintbrush. Reminder: Please watch where you step or place your children for photos - ant beds are plentiful and poisonous snakes have been seen occasionally.  ~Lu

 

March 15, 2012 - Look at this gorgeous field around R-Place at Washington-on-the-Brazos on FM 1155. Wow!

 

March 15, 2012 - The bluebonnets are popping up every day in different areas. Just keep your eyes out! There is a nice patch of bluebonnets on Hwy 290 East on the eastbound side of the highway between Brenham and Chappell Hill (the area is known as Winklemann Village). People are enjoying taking pictures in it today. Please be careful whether you're a passerby or a picture taker!

 

Other patches that can be enjoyed in safe zones are within Brenham's city limits! Go over to Wood Ridge Blvd off of Hwy 36 South behind La Quinta Inn and Walmart. The bluebonnets are growing nicely out there and should be really plentiful in another week or two. Look behind Whataburger - there is a large, beautiful strip of really full bluebonnets, perfect for picture taking with the little ones. You can park in the lot at Dollar Tree and Maurice's. And across Hwy 36 from there, the bluebonnets have really filled out in front of Applebee's and the former Arby's. Beautiful areas for pictures with the kids!  ~Jenny

 

March 15, 2012 - Spring Break week is wonderful! The wildflowers are responding well to the spring temperatures in the low 80s. Hillsides are covered with airy yellow broomweed (looks like yellow baby's breath). Old Baylor Park in Independence has a wild variety of wildflowers - white wild onion, baby blue-eyes, Ranunculaceae, early bluebonnets, vibrant yellow coreopsis and Indian paintbrush. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site has wildflowers popping up everywhere in the "Birthplace of Texas." For scenic drives, wander through Chappell Hill and Washington on FM 1155, Hwy. 290 near Chappell Hill, FM 390, Hwy. 36 and FM 105. Wildflower species bloom in different time periods (early spring, mid-spring, late spring.) Bluebonnets are beginning to show color, but they are still immature; however, the early wildflower species are spectacular! Don't forget to take a look at our "Dos & Don'ts" (above) for your safety and others. Bring the camera and post your pictures on our Flickr page!  ~Seneca

 

March 13, 2012 - Rain was GREAT this weekend! Washington County had between 4-6 inches! Our wildflowers are BEGINNING to bloom. It is still early meaning the fields are not in full bloom, but meander through the county to see these fabulous wildflowers! In Brenham, SMALL patches of bluebonnets can be seen at the corner of Park St. & Vulcan St. in downtown, in between the Dollar Tree Shopping Center and Wal-Mart off of Hwy. 36 South and between the Hwy. 290 access road and Bluebonnet Shopping Center near Applebee's. Driving around, Hwy. 290 median in Chappell Hill area and the interchange of Hwy. 36 N and Business 36 in Brenham. Other driving areas for wildflowers beginning to show are FM 1155 between Chappell Hill and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. There are a few early patches at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Old Baylor Park in Independence has baby bluebonnets and wild onion (white), baby blues (dark purple) and some Ranunculaceae. At the corner of Hwy. 105 North and FM 50 some pale lavender spiky Obedient plants form an airy patch. The vibrant yellow broomweed (looks like baby's breath) covers several fields and many roadsides. The temperatures are supposed to be in the low 80s this week! We still anticipate peak season for late March to early April, but remember... Mother Nature is in control! :)   ~Seneca

 

March 9, 2012 - Patience is a virtue......
We anticipate a rainy weekend, but BEAUTIFUL weather for next week... Spring Break! Our wildflower PLANTS are up, but it is still very early for flowers. There are a few areas with plants with some blooms, but we need the warmer temps and sun. (We love all this rain as our wildflowers and green rolling hills do!) Mike Shoup, owner of Antique Rose Emporium anticipates early April for peak. However, we don't control Mother Nature.... Please be patient with our beautiful wildflowers... they will come! Check out our past year blogs and see how we compare. We will keep you up to date for the places to see the flowers as they emerge! FYI --- we have a variety of great activities all next week! Come stay with us for a Spring Break getaway!

March 2, 2012 - HAPPY 176TH TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY!
It is still VERY EARLY in the wildflower season, but we are seeing SOME wildflowers beginning to bloom. Take a look at these very purple Baby Blues (Nemophilia sp.) on the backside of the columns at Old Baylor Park in Independence. Another flowering wildflower dotting our roadways is the Broomweed (Guitierrezia spp.) which looks like yellow baby's breath. Livestock avoid eating the Broomweed... especially with all the beautiful green grass in the pastures. Head out to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Park for the Texas Independence Day Celebration this weekend. It is still at least 2 weeks early for their wildflowers, but crops look promising!

February 29, 2012 - Happy Leap Day! The day (& week) is supposed to be warming up in the upper 70s to 80! Maybe Panxsutawney Phil was wrong about a longer winter... at least in southeast Texas! Our 'not so wild' city bluebonnets look fantastic! Of course, these have more warmth due to the concrete or extra care. If you just can't wait to see the bluebonnets, come see our city ones at the corner of Vulcan St. and Park St., the Blue Bell Aquatic Center at E. Tom Green St. and Blue Bell Rd. (fenced in section, to be viewed from the outside only) and between the frontage road of Hwy. 290 and the Bluebonnet Shopping Center by Applebee's. Just had another report.... bluebonnets are beginning to blossom in the median of Hwy. 290 near Chappell Hill. These, of course, are strictly for seeing from a moving car. Be safe; Hwy. 290 is a major highway!

 

February 24, 2012 - Here is our first sighting of baby bluebonnets and wildflowers across our green rolling hills of Washington County! It is still very, very early but when the temperatures begin to warm up, we'll have a great wildflower season. These pretty little white 10-petal anemones sparkle across the green grasses at Old Baylor Park in Independence and along many of our winding country roads. Also, look for these pretty purple flowers blooming at Old Baylor.

February 23, 2012 - More rain and even a couple of days of warmth is preparing us for Spring's arrival! Have you seen the few bluebonnets along the feeder road on Hwy 290 in front of Applebees? They even got on the front page of the Banner Press a couple of days ago. As well, our source at the Antique Rose Emporium found a few blooms with 10-petal Anemones (pictured). Keep your eyes out and if you want to share your sightings, CONTACT US!

 

February 14, 2012 – Happy Valentine’s Day! We’ve been blessed with several great rainstorms in the past few weeks! Our rolling hills are green again and our stock tanks are full or getting close! Lake Somerville is filling back up! Our first “scout” bluebonnets have made an appearance at Old Baylor Park in Independence. It is still too cool, but this rain is wonderful! Keep checking back with us!

 

January 25, 2012 - A huge storm blew across Washington County and a tornado caused some damage to a few buildings in town and some barns north of Brenham.

 

January 19, 2012 – January could be the 10^th warmest January on record for the Houston area. We’ve had some nice soft, soaking rains in Washington County. Though the stock tanks are still low or dry, these rains have turned our rolling hills green again. Our local wildflower guru, Mike Shoup says this should be a very interesting year with all kinds of wildflower varieties! Because we have been in a severe drought, the weeds did not survive which means the wildflower plants do not have to compete with last year’s weeds for rain, sunshine or the limelight. If we continue on this path of soft rains and a mild winter, these wildflowers will have NO STRESS! (It’s good to be a wildflower in Washington County!) Current predictions are an earlier wildflower season with the warmer temperatures.

Overall, severe drought status for most of Texas. Some speculation this is a Texas 500-year or 1000-year drought. Some areas (west) have been in a drought for 3 years. Devastating wildfires through Texas: Davis Mountains, Possum Kingdom, Bastrop, 3-county (Grimes, Waller, Montgomery).

 

October 2011 – 1^st rain in almost a year. Chappell Hill area had most rainfall.

 

August 2011 – Hottest and driest year on record

 

July 2011 – 8^th Hottest on record – no rain

 

June 2011 – Hottest on record – no rain

 

May 2011 – 3^rd Hottest on record – no rain

 

April 21, 2011 - Happy San Jacinto Day! The Texian Army under the command of General Sam Houston soundly defeated Dictator Santa Anna in San Jacinto in an 18-minute battle in 1836! Visit our "Birthplace of Texas," Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed and created the Republic of Texas! We bid farewell to spring and hope for some much needed rainfall. Some Indian Blanket patches near the intersection of FM 50 and Hwy 105 North are battling the exceptional drought conditions as are dry mustard, coreopsis and white prickly poppy throughout the county. Happy Easter!

 

April 13, 2011 – Some of those hardy wildflowers did their best to show off this year despite our exceptional drought condition. Most of the bluebonnets are going to seed now. Some of our roads have other wildflowers. This was not the year for our Indian Paintbrush. FM 50 still has pink evening primroses along the road. The Indian Blanket (Firewheel) has popped up at the intersection of FM 50 and Hwy 105 North. Dry Mustard can still be seen along the roadside and in some pastures throughout the county. We are supposed to have fantastic weather continuing through the weekend. Our scenic roads, great attractions and shopping and the Burton Cotton Gin Festival are all fabulous reasons to head over this weekend!

 

April 8, 2011 – Washington County is currently in an exceptional drought condition … the worst level. However, we do have SOME persistent wildflowers. FM 1948 and FM 2679 have some patches of pink evening primroses with scatterings of a few other wildflowers. FM 50 has some lovely patches of pink evening primrose in the road ditches. Hwy 105 North of FM 50 (about 2 miles) has a patch of bluebonnets on the left with longhorn cattle. PLEASE do not cross the fence! As for FM 390, you will see some pastures (behind fences – private property) of bluebonnets between Hwy 36 North and FM 105. Despite the lack of rain, this is supposed to be a beautiful weekend! Head over for the 47^th Annual Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill!

 

April 5, 2011 – Now through the next week or so should be our peak wildflower season since we have not received rain. Indian Blankets are popping up at the intersection of Hwy. 105 and FM 50. FM 390 between Burton and Hwy. 105 has several beautiful rolling hills with bluebonnet fields. For pink evening primroses, drive up FM 50 towards Independence and Hwy. 36 North. Hwy. 290 between Brenham and Burton has patches of bluebonnets, pink evening primroses and dry mustard. It’s still a beautiful year and the weather temperatures are perfect!

 

March 30, 2011 – Take a look at our wildflowers! Hwy. 290 West between Burton and Brenham has some lovely patches of bluebonnets and pink evening primroses developing. Also, scenic FM 390 between Burton and Hwy. 105 has pastures developing of bluebonnets and pink evening primroses. Remember to honor private property. Take a look on James Nutt Rd. in the Brenham Business Center (off Hwy. 290) for some nice areas of bluebonnets. We need some rain, but we are off to a good start!

 

March 25, 2011 – Our wildflowers are beginning to show, but they are still relatively small. The season will most likely be the month of April. We are about a foot behind in rainfall; we could definitely use some, but our wildflowers don’t need as much as other plants. Bluebonnets are beginning to bloom on Hwy. 290 West between Brenham and Burton. Also, head out Hwy 105 for patches of bluebonnets as you make your way out to the Monastery of St. Clare Miniature Horse Farm and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. There are a few nice patches of wildflowers in the park. FM 50 towards Independence has some patches of pink evening primrose.

 

March 22, 2011 - We have some of our pretty little bluebonnets popping up on Hwy 290 West between Brenham and Burton. These areas are pretty to look at, but since they are on the main highway, this is not the place to stop and take pictures. The dry mustard (looks like a yellow baby's breath) is scattering about on FM 50 near Independence. If you just must get your bluebonnet fix right this minute and can't wait until the real season, there is a SMALL patch on the corner of Vulcan St. and Park St. in downtown Brenham as well as in between Arby's/Applebee's and the access road of Hwy 290 near the Hwy 36 exit. It is still early, folks!

 

March 18, 2011 - What a fantastic Spring Break! We had our 1st TV interview about the wildflowers today. It will air Sunday on KBTX-TV College Station. The wildflowers are just beginning so they are still very, very small babies. Some small patches are showing up near FM 332 & FM 3456. The white Alliums (wild onion) and baby bluebonnets are starting to grow at Old Baylor Park in Independence as well as on Hwy. 36 north of Brenham. It is still VERY EARLY. Keep checking here for updates! Have a great weekend!

 

March 17, 2011 - Happy St. Patrick's Day! We have spotted a few more bluebonnets, but it is still VERY EARLY for this year's wildflowers. There is a tiny patch in downtown Brenham at the corner of Vulcan St. and N. Park St. Old Baylor Park in Independence has some bluebonnets blooming, but they are still VERY small since it is so early.

 

March 10, 2011 - Spring Break is next week! We have been thoroughly enjoying this fabulous sunshine, but temps are still pretty cool! We have a FEW "scout" bluebonnets in between Arby's & Applebee's and the access road of Hwy. 290 near Hwy. 36 south. But really... just a few. Our wildflowers will probably be popping very late March and all of April, but just checkin' back here and we can let you know the status and where you can see them! Tons and Tons to do over Spring Break! Come to see us!

 

March 2, 2011 - Happy 175th Anniversary of Texas Independence! The low milkvetch (astragalus) is blooming on the roadsides. Is this heralding in Texas spring?

 

March 1, 2011 - Early February average temps were COLD! Averaging in the mid-40s, but the last half of February averaged in the 60s. Don't ya just love Texas weather?! We still don't have any sightings, but the forecast for this week will bring lots of sunshine to our little wildflower plants. The redbud trees are blooming.

 

February 21, 2011 - Happy Presidents' Day! Much better weather than the first half of February! Still no signs of wildflowers. It's very overcast. It truly looks like winter.

 

February 9, 2011 - Another snowy afternoon in the green rolling hills of Washington County! I have serious doubts about Punxsutawney Phil!

 

February 4, 2011 - Snow Day in Brenham/Washington County! This does NOT happen often in this part of the state! The Houston area has been closed since Thursday! Stay warm, little wildflower seeds!

 

February 2, 2011 - Happy Groundhog Day! We will have an early spring. Seriously, Punxsutawney Phil? Though it is a bright clear day in beautiful Washington County, Texas, our high temperature is only supposed to hit in the 20s! This morning temps were 18 degrees with a wind chill of 3! We were COLDER than Chicago! This is arctic blast is supposed to last until Super Bowl XLV weekend (real chance of INCHES of snow!). So, what does this all mean for our wildflowers??? Local wildflower guru, Mike Shoup predicts the wildflowers should be as spectacular as last year's! Because of drought conditions in fall 2010, the bad weeds such as Johnson grass won't be as dominating... meaning the wildflowers won't have to compete and they received the rain needed in January. We can still use more rain, but we hope all this means a fantastic wildflower season.... even if Punxsutawney Phil says it will be early!

May 10, 2010 - Our fields and roadsides have changed color again. FM 390 is bursting with Indian blanket (an exceptional display this year!), clasping-leaved coneflower and coreopsis. Quite a few Texas thistle and white prickly poppy are scattered throughout the roadways in the county.

 

May 6, 2010 - This week's warm temperatures (low 90s) and the late season mean our fields of wildflowers have started to go to seed. (Please don't mow for at least 2 weeks!) However, you can see Indian Blanket and coreopsis and some pink evening primrose along the roadsides and at Old Baylor Park. It's a great week to come and enjoy Brenham/Washington County, so pack the bags and head to the country! Don't forget to enter the 2010 photo contest!

 

April 30, 2010 - Our late blooming fields still have some color splashed across the soft green grasses of the hills. FM 50, FM 390 and FM 105 have various flowers to be seen in distance fields. Some have patches of bluebonnets, pink evening primrose or the Indian blanket and coreopsis. Most are not up close, but you can still appreciate the haze they cast across the rolling hills. We are approaching our summertime and all the different scenery it brings. Come and enjoy... meander.

 

April 27, 2010 - Stunning..... This is our description of the 2010 wildflower season in Brenham/Washington County. Though we still have some fields of wildflowers, we are heading past peak as our fields are passing as a haze of indigo (bluebonnets) and coral/pink (Indian paintbrush). Those flowers are making their way to seed and disappearing under the growing grasses of summertime. You can still see winecups (deep magenta) in fields on FM 50 and FM 390. The pale pink evening primrose can be seen in the distance on FM 50 and in some of the ditches along the smaller roads in the area. The field on Hwy. 105 north of William Penn Rd. has bluebonnets and pink evening primrose. Near FM 2193 and Flewellen Rd., see a bluebonnet field behind the Texas barbed wire fence. Just because our wildflowers are heading to seed, the green rolling hills of Washington County are ever changing and the epitome of relaxation and calmness.

 

April 23, 2010 - Heading in to another glorious weekend in the country! Another fabulous festival and some gorgeous wildflowers. Some of our earlier wildflowers are now heading off to seed (don't mow for at least 2 weeks!), but our country roads and highways and FM roads still have some beautiful color. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/video/drive-wildflowers-10396932?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

April 21, 2010 - Happy San Jacinto Day (the celebration of Texas independence in 1836)! The rolling waves of bluebonnets, patches of coral/pink Indian paintbrush and the vibrant yellow of the coreopsis are still heralding Texas springtime in Brenham/Washington County. FM 50, FM 1155, FM 390 and  Hwy. 105 are beautiful! Old Baylor Park in Independence has turned to the coreopsis under the sprawling live oak trees. Make sure and come to see the glorious shades of Texas spring before they fade to the lovely shades of green rolling through the countryside.

 

April 16, 2010 - Peak season for all wildflowers! We anticipate another week of peak, if Mother Nature cooperates. Many special activities are in store for this weekend and our wildflowers are truly stunning. Coreopsis, bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, verbena, wild mustard, pink evening primrose and Engelmann's daisy color the green rolling hills of Washington County with vibrant yellows, bluish indigo, coral pink, lavender and pink. Just about any path you choose will give you wonderful sights of Texas springtime. Hwy. 290, FM 390, FM 50, FM 912, FM 1155, FM 332, Hwy. 36, Hwy. 105 and everything in between are great for wildflower viewings. Please be respectful of private property. A fence is there for a reason. For some safe viewing and picture taking spots, try behind Westwood Shell in Brenham, Old Baylor Park in Independence and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site in Washington.

 

April 12, 2010 - We are in peak season! Come see our glorious Texas wildflowers! Any road you take will have beautiful patches and fields of wildflowers. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site reports some great wildflower fields. If temperatures stay cooler (high of 80), we should have fantastic fields for the next 10 days or so.

 

April 8, 2010 - We are approaching peak season! All the highways and FM roads have beautiful patches and very different colors coming through. Highways 290, 36 and FM roads 50, 390, 912, 1155, and every other road have beautiful flowers. Please be extremely careful of traffic and critters while you take your pictures. Another great safe place to take your photos is located behind the Westwood Shell station on Hwy. 290 and Business 290. Seas of brilliant yellow (Engelmann's daisy and wild mustard), bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, coreopsis (still early), pink evening primrose (still early), and purple vetch are speckling our green rolling hills. Make sure and send us your beautiful photos and enter the 2010 photo contest!

 

April 5, 2010 - This is the time of the wildflowers! We still have many patches in their early stages of bloom, but our fields are beautiful. Hwy. 290 heading west Houston - notice the fields in bloom at the Washington County welcome sign in to the county. Fields of bluebonnets, Engelmann's daisy (bright yellow), phlox, Indian paintbrush and more are erupting in the green rolling hills. Hwy. 50 towards Independence and FM 390 are speckled with color. Please respect private property for your safety. If there is a fence, do not cross it. We have plenty of beautiful places you can stop and take your pictures safely!

 

April 1, 2010 - No foolin'... Brenham/Washington County is heading into our wildflower season! Peak is still anticipated to be in the next week to two weeks, but we have some gorgeous fields developing. Make sure and read some of the earlier posts. Beautiful scenic roadways include Hwy. 105 North towards Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, scenic La Bahia Trail (FM 390) has vibrant fields of Indian paintbrush, wild verbena and bluebonnets and FM 237 near Hinze Road. A safe place to stop and take pictures is off Stringer Rd. in Brenham. Please make sure and read through our Do's & Don'ts to keep you and your loved ones safe while experiencing this fantastic Texas spring weather! Happy Easter!

 

March 31, 2010 - Wow! The wildflowers love this warmer weather and bright sunshine! Some new wildflower patches are in bloom. Some massive fields of yellow (wild mustard) can be seen at Hwy 105 North and FM 50. On FM 50, some great patches of Indian paintbrush are blooming. Other wonderful bluebonnet patches can be seen on FM 2935 north of Brenham High School and the fields on Woodbridge Rd. in Brenham and between the access road on Hwy. 290 near Arby's, Applebee's and the Bluebonnet Shopping Center are wonderful. Old Baylor Park in Independence is still lovely. According to our expert, we are still about 2 weeks away from the full blown explosion of wildflowers and color! Enjoy the views!

 

March 29, 2010 - Sun, sun and more sun forecasted for this week and we MIGHT hit 80 degrees for the first time this year! All of this means our bluebonnets are still very short and waiting for the warm weather to give us our seas of blue. One place to watch for is on Hwy. 36 North near the Sandy Creek area on the east side of the highway. They are not in bloom yet, but keep watching for them! Please be very careful on the roadways and remember the other motorists.

 

March 26, 2010 - Rain storms on Wednesday evening and lots and lots of sun are bringing out our precious bluebonnets in Brenham and at Old Baylor Park in Independence. For a few places to see the bluebonnets in Brenham, the home on the corner of Tom Green and a home near Third Street and Austin Street. Please remember these are private homes, so please just drive by to see the beautiful flowers. For a place to stop and take your pictures, head to Old Baylor Park in Independence. Enjoy the bluebonnets and live oaks. On your way to Independence, see the Indian Paintbrush beginning to bloom on FM 50. We are still early, but the more sun we have the more our wildflowers come to life! Predictions are Easter and the following week should be beautiful!

 

March 19, 2010 - Old Baylor Park in Independence, Texas has some baby bluebonnets beginning to spread across the fields among the ruins of Baylor and the ancient oaks. SOME Indian Paintbrush are opening up on FM 50 between Brenham and Independence, but again... they still need some warm temps and sunshine! Also, there is a SMALL patch of bluebonnets in downtown Brenham at Vulcan & Baylor Street. Be patient... we'll have a great season!

 

March 19, 2010 - Old Baylor Park in Independence, Texas has some baby bluebonnets beginning to spread across the fields among the ruins of Baylor and the ancient oaks. SOME Indian Paintbrush are opening up on FM 50 between Brenham and Independence, but again... they still need some warm temps and sunshine! Be patient... we'll have a great year!

 

March 18, 2010 - Spring break week.... Mother Nature has kept the temperatures cool (rain on Tuesday, and the sun the rest). Our wildflowers are not showing color yet and are still waiting on warmer temperatures and sunshine. If you need to see your Texas bluebonnets right this minute, head over to the Bluebonnet Shopping Center area at Hwy. 290 and Hwy. 36 South. Look between the access road and the hill of Hwy. 290 above and the access road and the businesses of Arby's and Applebee's. Also, head down FM 332 and FM 3456 for a nice field near the stop sign. Be patient.... once Mother Nature unleashes the warm temperatures, we will have a phenomenal year!

 

March 15, 2010 - It's spring break week!  There is so much to do for the whole family in Brenham.  Unfortunately, the wildflowers will not be blooming for this week. :-(    There are fields of plants everywhere, but there has not been enough sunshine to lure out the blooms yet.  Along Hwy. 36 North, Independence area and Old Chappell Hill Road, there are signs of abundant fields of Indian Paintbrush and Bluebonnets, and it is hoped that they will begin to show color within the next 5-10 days.  Also along Hwy. 290 between Chappell Hill and Brenham, you can see the plants in the medians, but the brilliant blue blooms are still elusive.  Bradford Pear trees are blooming and gorgeous in many places in the City of Brenham and surrounding areas.  Enjoy taking photos under their white floral canopies while those are at their peak!

 

March 9, 2010 - 79 degrees and beautiful... does this mean the 5th coldest winter on record is over?! The pear and redbud trees are blossoming! How much longer until our wildflowers come out of hiding? Keep checking in to see what Mother Nature brings us!

 

March 4, 2010 - Ahhh! The sun! Our cool temperatures continue, but the sun and beautiful blue sky have come back to Washington County! It is still early for our wildflowers, but this year should be spectacular! Sign up for our Twitter or Facebook to stay informed about our beautiful Texas wildflowers!

 

February 23, 2010 – Bluebonnets AND snow! We have had one VERY cold winter and snow today (1-2 inches). In fact, we had our very first television coverage (and earliest) of our Texas flower. Yes, our first ones (as some say, “the scouts”) are up, but it is very early. According to Mike Shoup, our resident wildflower guru, this year should be an explosive year for wildflowers. Cold and wet winter and all the wildflowers should debut about the same time. Mike predicts the peak to be later than last year, maybe mid-April. Keep checking back here to see the best spot to see the Texas wildflowers!

April 21, 2009– Happy San Jacinto Day! Our wildflowers are starting to fade and go to seed. You can still see a few patches of wildflowers along the roadways. Remember to wait 2 weeks after the flowers go to seed before you mow. We want beautiful fields for 2010!

April 17, 2009– A violent rain/wind storm hits Brenham/Washington County. We hope the severe weather hasn’t hurt our wildflowers and all our great festivals for the weekend! Don’t miss the Burton Cotton Gin Festival & Chappell Hill’s Bluebonnet Festival.

April 15, 2009– Brenham/Washington County was just featured on Good Morning, America Sunday Edition Weekend Window which will air on Sunday, April 19! Those beautiful fields of wildflowers on FM 390 near Longpoint, FM 1155 at Lillian Farms Country Estate and several other scenic locations tout Washington County as “the place to see the Texas wildflowers.”

April 6, 2009– Come and see our wildflowers for spring 2009! The Indian Paintbrush and Bluebonnets on FM 50 heading towards Independence are beautiful. Make sure and stop by Antique Rose Emporium and Old Baylor Park in Independence for some great photo ops!

March 31, 2009– What a beautiful time to come to Washington County and Round Top for the Antiques Show! The winding roads of FM 390, Highway 36 north of Brenham and FM 105 are exploding with color!

March 25, 2009– More rain for Washington County! Make sure you see the field of blue on Woodridge Boulevard just south of Highway 290 in Brenham. Please check the safety reminders under wildflower do’s & don’ts. The amphitheater at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is dotted with Winecups, Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush.

< strong>March 23, 2009– There is nothing like spring in Texas! Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush are beautiful on FM 50 towards Independence! FM1155 between Chappell Hill and Washington-on-the-Brazos have several fields turning blue with bluebonnets.

March 16, 2009– Spring Break! The rolling hills of Washington County are popping with color: blue, yellow, pink and all the green. Our wildflowers are coming in. Some of the great spots to see the wildflowers are on Highway 290 between Chappell Hill and Brenham, FM 390 (La Bahia Trail), FM 1155 and Highway 105.

March 14, 2009– Our wildflowers are enjoying over 2 inches of rain today! The fields are coming alive with the colors of spring!

March 7, 2009– The yellow coreopsis are beautiful in the medians of Highway 290 in Brenham!

February 5, 2009 - The first bluebonnets in the county were on the front page of the Brenham Banner-Press today! Though VERY early, these little gems can be seen on the Highway 290 feeder road across from the Bluebonnet Shopping Center.