Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Wander through a public garden, and we find a bit of heaven. Such is the way at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center, sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin.

The state botanic garden and arboretum of Texas features nearly 900 species of native plants of Texas, including wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, cacti, and trees.

Some of the treats to be found include Indian blanket,

four-nerve daisies,

pink evening primrose, wine cups,

and foxgloves.

Desert plants are also displayed.

And there is no shortage of benches for relaxation

or waterfalls

and ponds for a cooling atmosphere.

If you’re lucky, you may also spot Athena, the visiting owl.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

Relax and enjoy the natural wonders around us with these two books.

Tranquility Transformation Transcendence. The Enchanting Promises of Public Gardens

Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku

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Responses to “Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center”

  1. Tony

    Very nice environment Mary !

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Tony.

      Reply
  2. hubertprevy

    I especially like the picture with a bench, reminds me of one at my Grandpa’s farmstead, before getting lost to time.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The park has several spots for guests to relax. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Hubert.

      Reply
  3. Penn,…

    oh Mary, I’ve been scrolling up and down looking at each and every photo, … one after the other, so gorgeous, … one could imagine sitting on that bench, and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. Marvellous..💫

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The park is very easy to navigate and relaxing. I’m happy you enjoyed the photos. Thank you for your feedback, my friend.

      Reply
  4. Nancy Homlitas

    Thank you for the pictorial tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. The images of wildflowers and other plants are spectacular, but I’m partial to that wide-eyed owl! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The owl was cooperative with photos. I believe she was hoping you’d see her, Nancy. 🙂

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        🦉🤣🦉

        Reply
  5. Looking for the Light

    What beauty!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s the kind of park we could go to often, maybe bringing a book to read in a quiet corner. Thank you, Melinda.

      Reply
  6. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    Oooh….. pretty:)

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kimberly.

      Reply
  7. Ilze

    What a serene glimpse into the beauty of Texas’s native flora! The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center sounds like a truly magical place—so thoughtfully designed, and full of nature’s quiet wonders. Thank you for capturing this peaceful haven so beautifully. 🌿✨

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ilze. I think if visitors or residents are in the area, it’s worth checking out.

      Reply
  8. Michael Sammut

    Lovely place. Great photos.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Michael.

      Reply
      1. Michael Sammut

        You’re most welcome, Mary.

        Reply
  9. luisa zambrotta

    What a wonderful place!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Luisa. It’s a lovely place to visit.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        🙏💐🙏

        Reply
  10. Mindful Mystic (MM)

    It’s a lovely place. 🌷

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for taking the time to view this post and comment, MM.

      Reply
      1. Mindful Mystic (MM)

        The photos are great, Mary. I very much enjoy your adventures.

        Reply
  11. Copper coated highways

    Wonderful photos 🌹

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  12. vermavkv

    Amazing pictorial visit to a beautiful park through your words. 😍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Vijay. Have a great day.

      Reply
      1. vermavkv

        You are welcome.
        Stay happy and blessed.

        Reply
  13. Rosaliene Bacchus

    How beautiful! A sanctuary away from the stress of life.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes. We need these little getaways in our busy cities and towns. Thank you, Rosaliene.

      Reply
  14. PradP

    Beautiful pictures…..⚘️⚘️🌷🌷

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Prad.

      Reply
  15. Dawna

    Love all the flowers and I especially love the waterfall.

    Thank you for the amazing photos

    I might need a trip to Texas

    Hugs to you my dear friend

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawna. It’s a peaceful park, for sure.

      Reply
  16. Beth Foster

    So very beautiful Mary 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Beth, thank you for commenting. Have a great day.

      Reply
      1. Beth Foster

        You are welcome. You also have a great day Mary.

        Reply
  17. kagould17

    This looks like a good place for strolling and relaxing Mary. I love the owl peekaboo. Happy Monday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Allan. Athena, the owl, was adorable.

      Reply
  18. P. J. Gudka

    Really enjoyed the images, such a cute owl.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Pooja. The owl was adorable and very willing to be photographed.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        You’re most welcome.

        Reply
  19. Phil Strawn

    Lady Bird Golf Course in Fredericksburg, Texas, is renowned for its LB landscaping. I always enjoyed the nine holes, if nothing else, for the beauty. Nice Owl. And Lady Bird is the name of Hank Hills Birddog.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for adding so much to this post, Phil! Lady Bird certainly added beauty to the state. Fredericksburg was a fun town.

      Reply
      1. Phil Strawn

        Momo and me go there often and always enjoy the beauty of the countryside.

        Reply
  20. joannerambling

    Such wonderful photos of a lovely place

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joann. I appreciate you.

      Reply
  21. Nancy Ruegg

    I visited there with family a number of years ago. You’ve not exaggerated how lovely the wildflower center is! At that time (2013, perhaps?) visitors could eat lunch in a cafe that served delicious salads, sandwiches, etc.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Nancy, I appreciate your feedback. And yes, the delicious cafe is still there. I should have mentioned that!

      Reply
  22. mjeanpike

    What a lovely place to visit, Mary. Beauty everywhere you look 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So true, MJean. Thank you.

      Reply
  23. Kaili

    This place is so pretty! I’ve been trying to get my son out and about to places like this more often.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s a great place to stroll and enjoy. Thank you for stopping by Kaili.

      Reply
  24. gc1963

    A beautiful walk through Nature

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  25. Willie Torres Jr.

    Absolutely Beautiful …

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Willie.

      Reply
  26. thomasstigwikman

    I’ve been there, but then I am from Texas, and I visit Austin every now and then. I visit Jester King often, a brewery not far from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The photos are beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! Austin certainly is a delightful city.

      Reply
      1. thomasstigwikman

        Yes I agree with that

        Reply
  27. Michele Lee

    Lots to enjoy in your beautiful post. Thank you for sharing, Mary. Love your Public Gardens book! 🌸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, you are so sweet, my friend. Thank you, Michele.

      Reply
  28. Joseph Glidden

    Beautiful photos.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joseph. Have a terrific day.

      Reply
  29. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Oh such beauty! She was definitely a woman with a cause and a passion.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re right, Dorothy. Such places offer respite for all of us. Thank you for chiming in, my friend.

      Reply
  30. Power up

    Very beautiful ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  31. Lauren Scott, Author

    What a tranquil post, Mary! I love all the photos, but Athena captured my heart. 💜

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      She is a cutie, Lauren. Thank you for checking out this post and taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  32. vermavkv

    Absolutely beautiful walk through nature.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Vijay. I’m happy you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  33. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Great read

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  34. restlessjo

    Looks like a fine place to linger,Mary xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is, Jo! Thank you for chiming in.

      Reply
  35. Garden Bliss

    An absolutely gorgeous place, Mary, the flowers, the sunny light and such serenity.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The gardens were peaceful, Flavia. Thank you for commenting. Have a great day.

      Reply
  36. Kevin

    Beautiful, Mary. Simply divine. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you’re having a lovely week. 🤗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Kevin, all is good. We are going to have a hot day, but then it will cool off again. Your weather must be about the same.

      Reply
      1. Kevin

        Yes, very similar, Mary. Had a few days of 60s, now mid-high 80s. Back into 60s, and maybe even 50s this weekend.

        Reply
  37. Jeanie M

    This sounds like such a peaceful spot! I could definitely use a stroll through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center right now, especially while I’m stuck waiting for the furniture cleaners to finish. Maybe I’ll add it to my weekend plans!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Let me know what you think about the park, Jeanie. Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Reply
  38. Eternity

    I have been there; it was very nice.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good to hear that you also liked it.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        Thank you very much. Your work is always very kind.

        Reply
  39. Awakening Wonders

    It is a lovely place!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mary. All the best to you.

      Reply
  40. The Introverted Bookworm

    What a beautiful tour of tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center! How relaxing and lovely! 😊🌸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It really was relaxing, Ada. Thank you for taking the time to scroll through the post and comment. Have a great weekend.

      Reply
  41. worldphoto12

    BUONA GIORNATA

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Buona giornata anche a te.

      Reply
      1. worldphoto12

        GRAZIE … BUONA DOMENICA

        Reply

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