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. 

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 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

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!

Butterfly Picnic in Progress

Red Corn Poppies

WOW-Factor Gardens at Wildseed Farms

Fields Where Scarlet Poppies Run...

Fields of Flanders Poppies

Inspiration! Amazement! Awe! Thanks for Beauty!

Golden Cosmos in a Texas Summer Rain

Cosmos... petals of sunlight!

One of Many... in a Field of Golden Sunlight

Real TREASURE!

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!

Experience the ENCHANTMENT of a mountaintop in the beautiful TEXAS Hill Country!

Put Yourself on the TOP of the World! At Enchanted Rock State Natural Area!

Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg, Tx is a MAGICAL Place to Be!

Summer Time is a Wonderful Time to Climb Enchanted Rock!

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!

Vernal Pool at the Top of Enchanted Rock

Cactus Flowers Blooming on the Top of Enchanted Rock!

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

Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival in Historic Fredericksburg, Tx

April 24 - 26, 2015
This weekend in Fredericksburg, Texas, bring the whole family and connect with the MIRACLES of NATURE! Join Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park for the Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival a CELEBRATION of FLIGHT! Saluting the unique winged wildlife of the Texas Hill Country! LOOK UP! There are AMAZING WINGS in the TEXAS skies... Birds, Bees, Butterflies, and Bats!

Beautiful Butterfly at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Tx

Miracles that FLY! Join us at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg, Texas, for a NATURALLY WONDERFUL WEEKEND of education and entertainment!

The Bees are Busy Making Texas Hill Country Mountain Laurel Honey

This year's Nature Festival will offer a wonderful selection of activities designed to entertain and educate participants about the wonders of the Texas Hill Country's natural resources. Festival HIGHLIGHTS include, a Birding Field Trip to Enchanted Rock, Nature Walks at the Nature Center, Hummingbird Banding, Bat Ecology of the Texas Hill Country, Nature Photography Workshop with Ruth Hoyt, Butterfly Tent, The Buzz About Bees, Snakes of Texas, Birdology and as an added attraction, Last Chance Forever will be exhibiting some of their raptors at the Pioneer Pavilion from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, April 25, 2015!

Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy

John Karger, Master Falconer, puts raptors from Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy, through their paces. A beautiful array of rehabilitated raptors will be presented for your enjoyment and education, along with an amazing display of flight by some of the birds. Don't miss this great fun while learning about the relationship between humans and these amazing marvels of nature! Children of ALL ages will not be disappointed.

Saturday, April 25, 2015 Nature Photography Workshop with Ruth Hoyt  from 7:30 – 11:30am at the Tatsch House in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. Ruth Hoyt has been teaching wildlife photography for more than 20 years. Her work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute, Missouri Botanical Garden, Powder Valley Nature Center, and the St. Louis Artists’ Guild to name a few. She also has permanent displays in Illinois and Texas.

Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center hopes to create many "A-Ha" moments that will inspire participants to become a stewards of our natural treasures. Bring the whole family. There is something for all ages at Wing over the Hills Nature Festival.

For the schedule of field trips, workshops, demonstrations, activities for children, and to register and purchase tickets online, call 830 998-1927, or visit: www.wingsoverthehills.org

Go out and get some RED! WHITE! and BLUE! on the Back-roads of TEXAS!

The field of Corn Poppies at Becker Vineyards is absolutely divine! The delicate deep red poppies float on the breeze... the Becker Lavender field in full bloom, is the perfect purple backdrop! Stop in for Wine and Wildflowers! Prepare to be inspired by the feast for your eyes and the flavors in your glass! Fredericksburg, Texas is a BEAUTIFUL place to be! Joie de vivre!

Becker Vineyards Poppy Field... Divine!

Crimson Poppies at Becker Vineyards in Fredericksburg, Texas!

The delicate white Mexican Poppies are exquisite this year. Driving out 16N to Llano there are Fields of snow-white poppies as far as the eye can see! Willow City Loop also has several heavenly fields of White this spring!

Mexican Poppies on the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg, Texas!

Snow-white Poppies on the Loop!

The Fields Where Snow-White Poppies Run!

  

Forget about "Chicken Soup for Your Soul"! How about some Willow City Loop for Your Soul! 

TEXAS Bluebonnets are the "Official Flower of the Lone Star State"! The Hill Country was blessed with abundant soaking rains in the Autumn 2014 and Winter 2015 and the

Wildflowers have been spectacular for Spring 2015! 

Willow City Loop is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL drive, and word of this amazingly diverse and gorgeous landscape has spread and the loop has become very popular with visitors. Although, I personally have not driven the Loop on the weekends, several visitors have complained that the weekends are absolutely awful, "bumper to bumper traffic"! Just be aware and, perhaps plan to drive the loop on a weekday when there is less traffic! I am including alternate drives that aren't so crowded for weekend  Wildflower viewing!

Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take,  

But By the Moments that take our breath away!

Scenic Drive - The Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg, Texas!

Take 16N (Llano Street) out of Fredericksburg. Proceed 13.3 miles, turn right on RR1323 - continue 2.79 miles to Willow City, turn left onto Willow City Loop. This is a PRIVATE ranch road that winds for 13 miles through rugged, awe inspiring Texas Hill Country and reconnects with 16.

Turn right back to Fredericksburg.

(Please, be respectful of landowners along the Loop and do not block their driveways, or drive, walk or sit on the WILDFLOWERS, as this can damage, even kill the plants.)

Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush on RR 1323.

Headed to The Willow City Loop! This is going to be GOOD!

Long TALL TEXANS... Bluebonnets Near Fredericksburg, Texas!

Beautiful! Beautiful TEXAS! A Ridge Line of Bluebonnets on the Willow City Loop!

Texas Bluebonnets, the "Official State Flower of TEXAS!"

  

WOW FACTOR! Defined!

Go Out and Play! Fredericksburg, Texas IS a BEAUTIFUL place to BE!

 

For the Beauty of the Earth...

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

For the beauty of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flower,

Sun and moon, and stars of light.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,

This our hymn of grateful praise.
- Konrad Kocher
(1786-1872)

Here are several alternative SCENIC DRIVES that are absolutely "Take your breath away beautiful!"

1) Take 965 (Milam Street) out of Fredericksburg, Tx. After you pass Enchanted Rock, 965 connects with 16N. Take a left to Llano. Just before 71, turn left on FM 2323 and follow it back to 87. Take a left back to Fredericksburg.

2) Take 87 from Fredericksburg to Mason, Texas. Swing around the courthouse square. Shop! Dine! Buy Texas Wine at award-winning Sandstone Cellars Winery... take in the charm of the Mason, Texas historic district, then return to Fredericksburg on 87! This is a beautiful drive with some of the BEST wildflowers anywhere!

3) Take 87 from Fredericksburg toward Mason, turn right on 152. In Castell veer right and follow 152 along the Llano River back to 16. Turn right back to Fredericksburg, TX.

4) Take 87 to 648 (Hilltop Cafe is on the corner), turn left and continue into Doss, Texas. In Doss take a right on to 783 and continue to 87 take a right back to Fredericksburg, TX.

It's a BLOOM-Fest at Wildseed Farms

Roll out the COLOR! It's a BEAUTIFUL SPRING in the Texas Hill Country! The Scarlet Corn Poppies ARE Popping and Wildseed Farms in Historic Fredericksburg, Texas, is putting on the ritz!

California Poppies and Scarlet Phlox at Wildseed Farms

Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the United States with over 200 acres of wildflowers in various stages of development. The Market Center is a garden lovers shopping paradise where you can shop for Wildflower Seed, Native Plants, Gifts for Home and Garden, Specialty Foods, Texas Wines, Pottery, Ladies Apparel. The farm also features a series of Walking Trails, Flower Fields, and Display Gardens.

Scarlet Corn Poppies at Wildseed Farms

Scarlet Corn Poppy

Springtime visitors will likely see Texas bluebonnets, red corn poppies, phlox, and a gorgeous array of other spring flowers. Bring the camera and capture the ultimate in wildflower photographs! Summer visitors enjoy cosmos, sunflowers, zinnias and other warm weather bloomers.
In the fall, the fields are planted for the following year's color, but our Nursery is well stocked with a variety of choices for fall planting and colorful pumpkins adorn the grounds around the Market Center which is brimming with delightful gifts for home and garden.

Multi-Colored Corn Poppies at Wildseed Farms

Hours
Open seven days a week, 9:30am to 5:00pm

Location and Contact
Wildseed Farms is located at 425 Wildflower Hills on Hwy 290, 7 miles East of Fredericksburg, Texas
Phone: 1-800-848-0078
www.wildseedfarms.com

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Wildseed Farms on FACEBOOK

Directions
Wildseed Farms is located 7 miles east of Fredericksburg on US Hwy 290 (Main Street), about half-way between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, Texas. GPS locaters use 425 Wildflower Hills, Fredericksburg TX 78624

Birds! Bees! Butterflies! Miracles with Wings!

April 24 - 26, 2015 - Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival! LOOK UP! There are AMAZING WINGS in the TEXAS skies! Birds, Bees, Butterflies, and Bats! Miracles that FLY! Join us in Fredericksburg, Texas, for a CELEBRATION of FLIGHT! For the schedule of events and to purchase tickets online, visit: www.wingsoverthehills.org

April 2015 Showers of Flowers

The April Flowers of Spring 2015 have got to be the "Two Hundred Year Flood" of Wildflowers!

Once in a while everything falls together so perfectly... Rain and Sun... last freezing weather! It's a MIRACLE! Come Witness the Beauty of the 2015 WILDFLOWER Season in the TEXAS HILL COUNTRY!

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

Beautiful! Beautiful Texas Bluebonnets!

Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to play and pray, where nature heals and give strength to body and soul alike. - John Muir

The Number One TEXAS Roadside Attraction

Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.

- John Harrigan

Mexican Poppies on the Back-roads of Texas!

You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.

- Henry David Thoreau

The Two-Hundred Year Flood of Texas Bluebonnets!

Restore Your Soul... Find a View!

Experience the BACK-ROADS of the TEXAS Hill Country! Fredericksburg, Tx to Mason on Hwy 87.

Joie de Vivre! Indulge! Renew! Live Well! 

Texas Bluebonnets

Purple Verbena

Mason County Red Dirt Roads

Corn Poppies at Becker Vineyards

Corn Poppies at Wildseed Farms

Fields Where Scarlet Poppies Run

Indian Paintbrush

The Texas Wildflower, Indian Paintbrush, has the colors of a sunset in every blossom!

Wild Primrose

Phlox

Hot Pink Phlox on the Back-Roads Near Fredericksburg, Texas!

Think About How Many Flowers Have Stars at Their Centers!

A rabbit's view of a phlox flower and opening bud. The geometry at the center of each is amazing... STARS and PINWHEELS in the Wildflowers of Texas!

Prairie Verbena at Pedernales Cellars Near Fredericksburg, Tx