Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

1. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center History

• When was the National Wildflower Research Center founded?
  • The National Wildflower Research Center was founded in 1982.
  • It started with just $125,000 in funding and was established on 60 acres of never-developed land.
• What publications did the center release in its early years?
  • The center published a Journal of all the wildflowers of Texas.
  • A Wildflower Handbook was also released in the following years.
• What honor was given to Mrs. Johnson for her conservation work?
  • Mrs. Johnson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for her efforts in keeping America beautiful.
• When did the center move and change its name?
  • In 1995, the center moved to a 43-acre plot of land.
  • It was renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center around this same time.
• What major funding did the center receive?
  • In 1997, the center was awarded a $5 million donation to establish an education program.
  • This led to the founding of The Brown Center for Environmental Education.
• How did the center expand in 1999?
  • In 1999, an additional 136 acres of land was acquired.
  • This allowed for the expansion of the landscape restoration program.
• What expansions took place in 2002?
  • Several new additions were made to the center, including:
  • A butterfly garden
  • A carriage house
  • The Margarette and Eugene McDermott Learning Center
  • An additional 100 acres of adjacent land was also acquired.
• When did the center become part of the University of Texas?
  • In 2006, the center was officially integrated into the organized research unit at the University of Texas.
• What were the major expansions in 2012 and 2014?
  • In 2012, the center opened a 16-acre Texas native trees arboretum.
  • In 2014, a 4.5-acre garden was opened in honor of Lucy Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin.
• What is the main purpose of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center?
  • The center’s gardens proudly display native plants from all over Texas.
  • The conservation center is home to several endangered flora species.
  • The landscape restoration program provides education and encourages families to grow wildflowers in their own backyards.
  • The main purpose of the center is to restore landscapes that have been damaged due to building, farming, and other activities back to their original state.

2. Central Gardens at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

• How many gardens are part of the central gardens at the Wildflower Center?
  • The central gardens, or main part of the Wildflower Center, are made up of 20 gardens.
• What type of plants are found in the Wildflower Center gardens?
  • Each garden is entirely comprised of plants native to Texas.
• Are there areas for visitors to relax?
  • Yes, there are plenty of picnic tables, benches, and shelters throughout the gardens for relaxation.
• What is the purpose of the entrance trail?
  • The entrance trail leads into the gardens from the admission desk.
  • It is designed to immerse visitors in nature and create a separation from the real world.
• What are the black plaques found in the gardens?
  • Throughout each of the gardens, there are black plaques along the sidewalks.
  • These plaques provide information on the significance and history of the plants in each exhibit.
• What is The Meadows garden?
  • The Meadows is the first stop after the entrance garden.
  • It features a rainbow of wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
  • The North Meadow Garden features an aqueduct covered in vines that carries water from the auditorium roof to the cistern.
  • The South Meadow has blooms throughout the year and attracts many butterflies.
• What are the Wetland Ponds?
  • The Wetland Ponds feature plants that grow only when fully saturated or underwater, such as Lily pads.
  • This area is home to turtles, fish, birds, and many other animals.
  • Visitors can enjoy the area while walking on stone platforms without getting wet or muddy.
• What is the Courtyard Garden?
  • The Courtyard Garden is located at the center of the Wildflower Center.
  • It is surrounded by the café, gallery, vending machines, gift store, restrooms, and visitor’s center.
  • The garden has trees along the perimeter with shaded benches and a spring in the center that shines under the sun.
• What is the Café Garden?
  • The Café Garden is semi-landscaped to present a more formal arrangement at the restaurant.
  • It is comprised of prairie plants and wildflowers.
  • The garden also features memorial benches and art exhibits.

3. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Attractions

• What is the Little House Garden?
  • The Little House Garden is specifically designed for play and exploration.
  • Located at the corner of the main courtyard, adjacent to the Little House.
  • It features:
  • A Native American hut for kids to play in.
  • Grassy areas for picnics.
  • Pots for digging and exploring insects.
• What is the Seed Silo Garden?
  • The Seed Silo Garden is located at the base of the seed silo.
  • It showcases native flowers that bloom in different seasons.
  • These flowers display vibrant colors and textures, including the Texas Rose.
• What is the Woodland Garden?
  • The Woodland Garden serves as a wooded classroom.
  • It contains over 120 species of Hill Country plants, vines, shrubs, bushes, and flowers.
  • It is a shade garden, where plants thrive in shaded or semi-shaded conditions.
  • Many homeowners find landscaping inspiration for their own backyards here.
  • A stream flows through the garden, adding to its beauty.
• What is the Erma Lowe Hill Country Stream?
  • The Erma Lowe Hill Country Stream is bordered by landscaped stone.
  • It provides areas for sitting and listening to the stream flow through the gardens.
  • The water flows quickly and passes through both shaded and sunny areas.
  • This environment supports a diverse range of plants and flowers along the banks.
• What are the Theme Gardens?
  • The Theme Gardens consist of 23 individual bordered beds surrounded by limestone walls.
  • Each bed has a unique theme, including:
  • Cacti
  • Edible plants
  • Native grasses
  • Ground covers
  • The gardens demonstrate easy-to-maintain landscaping that even beginner gardeners can create at home.
  • This is the most extensive garden at the Wildflower Center.
• What is the Texas Mixed Border Homeowner Inspiration Garden?
  • The Texas Mixed Border Homeowner Inspiration Garden was designed to provide landscaping ideas for backyards in Texas.
  • It features an English-style design with:
  • Stone patios
  • Arbors
  • All sections of this garden are designed as all-season gardens.

4. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Things to See

• What is the Formal Homeowner Inspiration Garden?
  • The Formal Homeowner Inspiration Garden is designed for homeowners who are dedicated to symmetry and geometry in their landscape designs.
  • This type of landscaping requires careful maintenance and is not commonly seen in average neighborhood backyards.
• What is the Traditional Homeowner Inspiration Garden?
  • The Traditional Homeowner Inspiration Garden is a smaller-scale version of formal garden designs.
  • It allows homeowners to have a formal-looking garden that is easier to maintain.
  • Some plants in this garden require intensive care, while others are more natural and low-maintenance.
• What is the Naturalistic Homeowner Inspiration Garden?
  • The Naturalistic Homeowner Inspiration Garden teaches homeowners how to design gardens that attract wildlife, such as:
  • Butterflies
  • Birds
  • Other backyard wildlife
  • These gardens have a natural and less formal appearance.
• What is the Ann and OJ Weber Pollinator Habitat Garden?
  • Also called the Butterfly Garden, this area is dedicated to pollinator-friendly plants.
  • It grows flowers year-round that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
  • The garden is always filled with colorful blooms and features a stream flowing through.
• What is the Dry Creek Bed?
  • The Dry Creek Bed represents landscapes where water runoff occurs.
  • It mimics creek banks that are sometimes covered with water and demonstrates plants suited for these conditions.
  • The plants in this garden have strong root systems and a high survivability rate when exposed to water saturation.
• What is the West Texas Mountain Collection?
  • The West Texas Mountain Collection showcases plants associated with desert landscapes.
  • These plants are adapted to drought conditions and arid environments.
  • Notable plants in this garden include:
  • Harvard agave
  • Mexican feather grass
• What is the South Texas Mission Garden?
  • The South Texas Mission Garden is inspired by Spanish Missions in southern Texas.
  • It features beautiful clay and stone architecture that visitors can walk through.
  • The architecture also serves as part of the rainwater gathering system.
  • This garden leads to the auditorium and includes:
  • Pepper trees
  • Agave trees
  • Cacti
  • Vines
  • Other native plants
• What is the Trailhead Garden?
  • The Trailhead Garden serves as an entrance to the trails and arboretum.
  • It features site-collected stone for landscaping.
  • The garden is composed of:
  • Ground coverings
  • Oak trees
  • Lush foliage

5. Luci and Ian Family Garden at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

• What is the purpose of Luci and Ian Family Garden?
  • This garden is specifically designed for children and families to learn about their environment in a fun and safe way.
• How large is the garden?
  • The garden was established on 4.5 acres of land.
• Is this the only family-focused plant garden in Texas?
  • Yes, this is the only plant garden in Texas specifically developed for families.
• How many interactive displays and exhibits does the garden have?
  • The garden features over 12 interactive displays and exhibits where kids can get their hands dirty.
• What materials are used for the garden’s features?
  • All features of the garden are made from natural elements.
  • This includes:
  • The playground
  • Climbing walls
  • Mazes
• Are there educational programs in the garden?
  • Yes, the

6. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Texas Arboretum

• What is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Texas Arboretum?
  • The Texas Arboretum at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center spans 16 acres.
  • It features a diverse collection of Texas trees and miles of trails for hiking and exploration.
• Is there a special area for relaxation?
  • Yes, the arboretum has a swinging area where swings hang from cathedral oaks.
  • This area is popular with both adults and children.
• What are Hero Trees?
  • The arboretum features Hero Trees, which are trees with historical significance.
• Is there an exhibit about tree planting?
  • Yes, the arboretum has an exhibit that shows the best trees to plant in different areas.
• Does the arboretum have information on tree diseases?
  • Yes, there is a special spot in the arboretum that demonstrates the diseases trees can get and how these diseases affect them.

7. Plan Your Visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

• What is the mission of the Wildflower Center?
  • The Wildflower Center is committed to sustainability, conservation, and the protection of the natural environment of Texas.
• What events and programs does the Wildflower Center offer?
  • The center offers several events and programs throughout the year, including:
  • Lectures
  • Holiday events
  • Art exhibits
  • Moonlit walks
  • Guided tours
  • Audio tours
  • Workshops (e.g., wreath-building in winter)
  • These programs are available for all ages.
• What facilities are available at the Wildflower Center?
  • The center includes several visitor amenities, such as:
  • A research library
  • A café for dining
  • A gift shop

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, Texas 78739, Phone: Phone: 512-232-0100