Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, Texas
Tel:
(512) 292-4100
Our Botanical Gardens Expert Says:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas is the result of the hard work and vision of Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes. And those visions are apparent the moment you step foot into this magical, colorful wildflower haven!
At the 42 acre Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center you'll visit 16 magnificent gardens that exemplify the beauty of our nation's native plants, particularly those of Texas. Explore fields of wildflowers as well as formal gardens like the centering Meditative Garden to the showcase Display Garden to the majestic Butterfly Garden, filled with plants, insects, and of course the stunning butterflies themselves. Kids will love the Butterfly Garden as well as the Little House Courtyard. Here kids can test out their senses of sight, smell, and touch and dig for plastic insects and lizards! Finally, relax while you listen to the musical flow of the Erma Lowe Hill Country Stream, in which kids are welcome to splash (with mom's permission of course!).
Ready for a walk down floral lane? Check out one of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's numerous trails that meander through the expansive property. You can start out near the Library on the Savanna Meadow Trail, wander into a cave, and then hike through a wildflower meadow. You may also enjoy the Woodland Trail which highlights trees and shrubbery from the Hill Country, particularly pecans, elms, and oak.
While you're at the center, make sure you experience the combination of nature and art by visiting the art exhibits. Native Texan artists and photographers have their work available for the enjoyment of the Center's guests! There are also events, flower sales, study trips, and group tours available, so come one, come all, and live, love, and learn about our nation's flowers!
From Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, Texas:
Our philosophy is rooted in the following principles espoused by our founders, former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and acclaimed actress Helen Hayes. These principles govern our national agenda as well as the development of our local site in Austin.
We honor and respect the natural beauty and biological heritage of each region of the country. We commit ourselves to conserving and restoring wildflowers, native plants, and the biological communities on which they depend. We encourage native flora through artful, naturalistic plantings in public, private, urban, and suburban landscapes. We use native plantings with regionally appropriate architecture to integrate the human community into the natural world in a responsible and respectful manner.