Natural History Wanderings

Gary Regner Photography reports

After a very dry start to the year, widespread, heavy, soaking rains developed over much of Texas. This is great news for our wildflower season outlook. Chances are this will be a great year, above average in many areas. How this will compare with past “banner” years remains to be seen, since many bluebonnets began to bloom nearly two weeks ago.

I’ve already noticed many bluebonnet plants that were very small and desiccated already plumping up and growing rapidly. Nearly all the plants had only one flower stalk, but I suspect that will change over the next several weeks and plants should really start filling in and looking good. I expect peak in many areas be around the end of March this year. I plan a scouting trip this weekend, and will start regular reports, at least one per week.Happy wildflower hunting!