27 January 2016

Wild About Wildflowers


Seven miles east of Fredericksburg, Texas on US HWY 290, Wildseed Farms extends a COLORful welcome to visitors throughout most of the year. 2015 brought abundant rainfall and wildflowers to the Texas Hill Country. Creeks, Rivers and Springs are recharged and gushing, baby bluebonnets are coming on strong along the backroads in the Texas Hill Country! Spring 2016 COULD be one of those "Once in a Lifetime Wildflower Seasons!"

Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take...
But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away! 

Just to get you forward thinking about spending some Best Friend time with the Wildflowers... here are some scenes from Wildseed Farms last year... Spring 2015. 


A Demonstration Garden at Wildseed Farms with Texas Bluebonnets and Purple Verbana. What a rich palette of purple and blue
The Texas State Flower
Texas Bluebonnet Lupinus Texensis... miracles on the stem! Wildseed Farms has a HUGE collection of Wildflower seeds and mixes. They recently added a Pollinator Mix to their catalog. 

Miles and Miles of Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas... as far as you can see... spring meadows of brillant blue!
Miles and Miles of Texas Bluebonnets
Seems like us humans have been a little too slap happy with all the concrete and impervious cover and we forgot to leave some of Creation wild and abundant with native forage for the pollinator species, like birds, bees, butterflies, humming birds and bats. Their habitat has disappeared under parking lots and office buildings many pollinators are suffering. Particularly, migratory species that depend on finding forage to sustain their long journeys. And, if the pollinators are disappearing... it's not going to be good for us, since they are responsible for pollinating most of our favorite fruits, vegetables and nuts. 
Each one of us should dedicate a little, or a lot! of our outdoor space to pollinator gardens! With more flowers in the world we would ALL be healthier and happier!

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe. 
- John Muir

A field of big, healthy Texas Bluebonnets with a few orange paintbrush scattered in here and there, at Wildseed Farms near historic Fredericksburg, Tx in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!
Go Out and Plant a Meadow!
The BEST things about Wildseed Farms, if you've never planted a seed, or plant, or planned a garden... are the WOW-Factor Walking Trails, Wildflower Fields and Demonstration Gardens. They are literally like "Living Instruction Manuals" on how to create a beautiful and inspirational space in your backyard, or back forty!
Monarchs on Purple Butterfly Bush it's a flittery Picnic!
Butterfly Picnic in Progress

A wooden fence row of scarlet red poppies is brilliant in the foreground and a field of mixed poppies, reds, pinks and whites, in the background.
Red Corn Poppies
Artful Plantings! Purple Butterfly Bush, Red Poppies, Red Roses create living art... on a living canvas!
WOW-Factor Gardens at Wildseed Farms
A field of scarlet corn poppies at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas!
Fields Where Scarlet Poppies Run...
Field of Red Flanders Poppies with Dark Centers. Paper thin flowers float on the Texas breezes
Fields of Flanders Poppies
A Wildflower field of Red Corn Poppies at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, TX
Inspiration! Amazement! Awe! Thanks for Beauty!
Golden Cosmos flower in a Texas Summer Shower
Golden Cosmos in a Texas Summer Rain
Macro...Cosmos Flowers, of three  in a never ending field of pure GOLD!
Cosmos... petals of sunlight!
One of Many... in a Field of Golden Sunlight
A field of Cosmos...vibrant, rich golden ... this is the REAL Treasure!
Real TREASURE!


























06 January 2016

A TEXAS SIZE VIEW!

Eighteen miles north of Fredericksburg, Texas, on RR 965, a large dome of pink granite bulges out of the rolling hills of live oak, mesquite and cedar... getting BIGGER and BIGGER as you wind closer on the snaking Texas back road, this spectacular Hill Country Treasure is a must share with friends, family, children, parents! Winter weather makes kids of all ages want to go out and play! Exploring the GREAT outdoors makes us happier and healthier! So, why not start your new year with a climb to the top of Enchanted Rock? Be sure to pack some yummy snacks and plenty of water! Take your time as you climb. It's not a race and you really do want to see the Texas Size View from rock top... it's going to make you want to crow, "God Bless Texas!"

Two land Texas back road approaching Enchanted Rock! A BIG Pink dome in the distance!
Explore the GREAT outdoors!
A telephoto shot of the top of Enchanted Rock. Climbers and Hikers are seen near the summit!
Climb the Rock for an Enchanted View!
A Vernal Pool at the Top of Enchanted Rock... a haven of life in a harsh and unstable environment... granite and sun.
Vernal Pool on the TOP of Enchanted Rock!

Be sure to call before you drive! The park sometimes fills to capacity on weekends during peak season and on holidays! Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located 18 miles north of Fredericksburg, Tx on Ranch Road 965.

Dogs on Enchanted Rock
Your canine friend, if leashed, is welcome at Enchanted Rock, but test the granite surface with your bare hand before you climb with your dog... the surface temperatures, in the heat of Summer can
seriously BLISTER your dog's paws!

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Hill Country has been designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association.

16710 Ranch Rd. 965
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 685-3636
Latitude: 30.505381
Longitude: -98.819844

Reservations on Line
Phone Reservations: 512-389-8900
View of the Texas Hill Country from the top of Enchanted Rock. In the foreground of the photo a vernal pool ripples in the wind.
View from Rock Top! Miles and Miles of Texas!

21 October 2015

TASTE! TOUR! BELONG! Grape Creek Vineyards

AWARD WINNING Texas Wine! Pour yourself into the BEAUTY of TEXAS! Amazing views are waiting for you at Grape Creek Vineyards!

Front Gate Tower at Grape Creek Vineyards with beautiful red roses in full bloom.
Welcome to Tuscany in Texas!
A couple enjoys a glass of wine and a Vineyard View from the Tuscany-style patio at Grape Creek Vineyards.
Pour Yourself into the Beauty of Texas
Sun rays illuminate beautiful red roses with the Grape Creek Vineyards Tower in the background.
Wine and Roses at Grape Creek Vineyards
Red Roses Blooming at the entrance gate of Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg, Tx.
Surround Yourself with BEAUTY!
Watching the Vineyards grow. What an incredible view, the ever expanding Vineyards at Grape Creek. Creating a Texas Wine Tradition!

Grapevines at Grape Creek Vineyards follow the slope of the hillside.
The Ever Expanding Vineyards
Looking down a row of grapevines the Grape Creek Tower is seen in the distance.
In the Vineyards



14 October 2015

Escape from the city! Sleep in a garden! Wake up to the JOYOUS landscape at Sugarberry Inn in historic Fredericksburg, Tx. You won't ever want to leave!

Every path at Sugarberry Inn is lined with the colors of fall blooming Texas Native plants... purple and gold!
Beautiful Native Gardens at Sugarberry Inn
The Gardens at Sugarberry Inn bursting with color... the royal purples and golds of autumn. Could the view out of your Bed and Breakfast window get any better than this? WOW factor fall color at Sugarberry Inn! LIVING ART... Gardens by Friendly Natives!

The beautiful native plant gardens at Sugarberry Inn bursting with color... the royal purples and golds of autumn.
Sugarberry Inn in Fredericksburg, Texas

25 June 2015

Wine on the Vine and Roses at Torre di Pietra

Torre di Pietra Winery and Vineyards has Millions and Millions of ROSES! Along the fence with grapevines behind... a row of red, red roses. They wind along the drive and deliver you to the front door. Across the Piazza there are more roses... beside the walking paths and fence lines red roses! It's a fairytale landscape! This would make a FANTASTIC backdrop for a Texas Wine Country Wedding in June!

A cedar fence covered with red roses at Torre di Pietra Winery and Vineyards. East of Fredericksburg, Tx on US Hwy 290.
Red! Red! ROSES at Torre di Pietra Winery and Vineyards
Take a walk through the vineyards on a sublime Saturday in June. A band is playing, the grapevines are heavy with huge clusters of bright green grapes... and, at the end of each sprawling row, you guessed it... RED ROSES! Texas Wine on the Vine and Roses!

Wine grapes in the beginning stage of veraison. Huge green clusters hang heavy on the vines at Torre di Pietra Winery and Vineyards near Fredericksburg, Texas.
Wine is Made in the Vineyard...
Make your SUMMER 2015 HAPPY and very, very SPECIAL! Take time to SMELL the ROSES, and sip some Texas Wine! Salut!

A gorgeous cluster of green grapes and two perfect roses at Torre di Pietra Winery and Vineyards near Fredericksburg, Tx.
Wine on the Vine and Roses!
At the end of each row of grapevines, rose bushes in full bloom... make this a perfect afternoon at Torre di Pietra
Follow the ROSES to Torre di Pietra!
Grapevines with huge clusters of green grapes and roses at Torre di Pietra Winery and Vineyards, 10 miles east of Fredericksburg, Tx on US Hwy 290.
The PERFECT Venue for a Wine Country Destination Wedding in June!

10915 East US Hwy 290
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Phone: 830.644.2829
Email: tdp@beecreek.net

Hours:
Monday - Thursday,  11am - 5pm
Friday - Sunday,   11am - 6pm
(Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

Facebook - www.facebook.com/TorrediPietra
Website - www.torredipietra.com

14 May 2015

Welcome SUMMER! Memorial Day Weekend in Historic Fredericksburg, Tx!

Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring those who have died in service to our GREAT Nation. It is about Americans coming together to CELEBRATE the brave men and women who gave EVERYTHING to defend our freedom. Take a moment this weekend, and reflect on the solemn meaning of Memorial Day. FREEdom isn't FREE!

Memorial Day 2015

Freedom Isn't FREE!
In 1915, Moina Michael had the idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day to honor those who lost their lives in military service to our nation. She wrote the following poem which started a tradition that spread around the world.

"Cherish too, the Poppy red
that grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies..."

A stone angel in the Old German Cemetery in Fredericksburg, Tx hold a Red Poppy and an American flag in observance of Memorial Day 2015
The RED POPPY... a symbol for Memorial Day

Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer in most people's minds. Across the state of Texas, there will be Memorial Day Events and festivals to get your summer off to a GREAT start! Make plans now to spend your Memorial Day Weekend in historic Fredericksburg, TX. Let's CELEBRATE Together!

Marktplatz with a view of the Vereins Kirche Museum, Bronze Art in the Park depicting the signing of the peace treaty between Native Americans and the first German Settlers in the Fredericksburg, Tx area. Surrounding the life-size sculptures are beautiful orange "ditch" lilies.
Marktplatz... the "Heart" of Historic Fredericksburg, Tx

Memorial Day Weekend in Luckenbach Texas - Friday, May 22nd, Hayden Whittington Picker Circle at 1pm and the Friday Night Dance in the historic Luckenbach Dance Hall with The Almost Patsy Cline Band at 8pm. Saturday, May 23rd, Luckenbach's 160th Birthday Celebration (for the 7th dang time), starting at noon followed by the Clayton Gardner Saturday Afternoon Show at 1pm and the Dirty River Boys + Colton O'Neill Band at 8pm. Sunday, May 24th, ShinyRibs Ice Cream Social with handmade ice cream from Clear River Pecan Company from 1 - 5pm and Sunday Night Picker Circle with Bill Lewis from 5 - 9pm. Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th, Memorial Day Concert with Chris Berardo and the Desberardos from 1 - 5pm. www.luckenbachtexas.com

Luckenbach Texas Memorial Day Weekend Ice Cream Social With ShinyRibs

May 22-24, 2015, Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival 
Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Let The Good Times Roll! Join us for a Cajun good time Memorial Day Weekend, May 22 - 24, 2015, at Marketplatz in historic Fredericksburg Tx. Enjoy Country, Zydeco, and Cajun Music, Crawfish and all the fixin's, Cajun Food, and activities for the whole family. This years headliners include, Aaron Tippin, Rick Trevino, Johnny Dee and The Rocket 88's, Zydeco Blanco, Bayou Roux, The Almost Patsy Cline Band and Jean Pierre and The Zydeco Angels.


Live Music, Crawfish, Gator Show and Cajun Food in Fredericksburg, Tx.
Fredericksburg Tx Crawfish Festival... Memorial Day Weekend!

Hours:
Friday, 6pm - Midnight
Saturday, 11am - Midnight
Sunday, noon - 6pm

Admission
- $ 10 adults Friday and Sunday
- $ 12 Saturday All Day
- Two-day passes $20
- Three-day passes $25
- Kids 12 and 6 $ 5
- Kids 5 and under Free

Fredericksburg Tx Crawfish Festival Entertainment Schedule

Friday, May 22, 2015
6pm - 9pm, Jean Pierre and The Zydeco Angels
9:30pm - Midnight, Grammy Award Winning Entertainer, RICK TREVINO

Saturday, May 23, 2015
11am - 12:30pm, Jean Pierre and The Zydeco Angels
12:30pm - 2pm, Johnny Dee and The Rocket 88's
2pm - 3:30pm, Zydeco Blanco
3:30pm - 5:00pm, Bayou Roux
5pm - 6:30pm, Zydeco Blanco
6:30pm - 7:45pm, Johnny Dee and The Rocket 88's
8pm - 9:15pm, Bayou Roux
9:30pm - Midnight, Nashville Recording Artist, AARON TIPPIN

Sunday May 24, 2015
noon - 1:30pm, The Almost Patsy Cline Band
1:30pm - 3pm, Bayou Roux
3pm - 4:30pm, The Almost Patsy Cline Band
4:30pm - 6pm, Bayou Roux

For a complete schedule of Festival Events visit: www.fbgcrawfish.com

May 23rd and 24th, Pacific Combat Living History Re-enactment.
Inspiring Our Youth by Honoring Our Heroes! The Hottest Show in Fredericksburg! Pacific Combat Living History Re-enactment at the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Living History! Be There at a WW11 Battle Re-enactment with uniformed actors, guns, tanks and a flamethrower.
History Comes to Life in a WW11 Battle Re-Enactment

History comes to life with a World War II battle re-enactment including uniformed actors, guns, tanks and a flamethrower!  At the Pacific Combat Zone of the National Museum of the Pacific War. $7.50 adults; $5 students; under 6 free.  Online reservations available and recommended. Shows are at 11am and 2pm on both days. www.pacificwarmuseum.org

Monday, May 25th at 10am, Memorial Day Observance at the The National Museum of the Pacific War, in honor of all of those who have lost their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces. Patriotic music, presentation of colors, rifle salute, and guest keynote speaker will be a part of the ceremony.
This years keynote speaker is Captain John Ring, Commanding Officer of the USS Nimitz www.pacificwarmuseum.org

Memorial Day Observance at the National Museum of the Pacific War, including presentation of colors, patriotic music, keynote speaker.
The National Museum of the Pacific War Memorial Day Observance 2015

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area... Fredericksburg, Tx

It's SUMMER TIME and the livin' is easy in the beautiful Texas Hill Country! Go OUTSIDE and Explore! Summer is a fine time to climb Enchanted Rock... when the sky is that deep-TEXAS-blue and the weather is warm... it's MAGICAL up there! And, the view from the TOP... is TEXAS FOREVER!

A steep granite face, curvilinear and immense... studded with huge geometric, boxy, PINK granite bolders
Experience the ENCHANTMENT of a mountaintop in the beautiful TEXAS Hill Country!

On a clear day, standing on the pink granite at the Top of Enchanted Rock, you can see TEXAS forever!
Put Yourself on the TOP of the World! At Enchanted Rock State Natural Area!

Granite face of Enchanted Rock. Huge pieces of surface granite crack and sluff off.
Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg, Tx is a MAGICAL Place to Be!

A huge Boulder sits mysteriously alone on the steep granite face of Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg, Tx.
Summer Time is a Wonderful Time to Climb Enchanted Rock!

A steep granite face of Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg, Tx
Take Your Time! Enjoy the Climb!

Standing there in the clouds, looking out over the beauty blazing below, you'll instantly understand why it's called the "Enchanted" Rock!

Water in Vernal Pools at the Top of Enchanted Rock provide habitat for insects
Vernal Pool at the Top of Enchanted Rock

Beautiful Orange Cactus flowers bloom in a crack of granite where soil has accumulated over thousands of years.
Cactus Flowers Blooming on the Top of Enchanted Rock!

Standing on the Top of Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg, Tx the view is AMAZING!
The VIEW from the Top of Enchanted Rock is TEXAS FOREVER!

Be sure to call before you drive! The park sometimes fills to capacity on weekends during peak season and on holidays! Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located 18 miles north of Fredericksburg, Tx on Ranch Road 965. (Remember Texas Summer weather can be brutal! The best time to climb Enchanted Rock, during the summer months, is early morning or late afternoon. Be sure to take plenty of water and pack a picnic to enjoy during and/or after your climb!

Dogs on Enchanted Rock
Your canine friend, if leashed, is welcome at Enchanted Rock, but test the granite surface with your bare hand before you climb with your dog... the surface temperatures, in the heat of a HOT Summer day can seriously BLISTER your dog's paws!)

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Hill Country has been designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association.

16710 Ranch Rd. 965
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 685-3636
Latitude: 30.505381
Longitude: -98.819844

Reservations on Line
Phone Reservations: 512-389-8900 

Map and Directions

For other places to EXPLORE the Great Outdoors near Fredericksburg, Tx