Bluebonnet season – that time of the year when God drops his color palette on Texas and we are blessed with an array of beautiful wildflowers – including the official state flower:  the bluebonnet. The time to experience these beauties varies depending on temperatures and rain fall, but roughly speaking it is between the middle of March and the middle of April.

Bluebonnets

Bluebonnets

I had seen a few on the side of the road so decided to go for a little road trip and go find some – not a very difficult thing to do.  On a slightly overcast day, I headed out toward the Brenham area and I was quickly rewarded. There they were, patches along the road – and it’s easy to spot them because there are always cars pulled up (please be careful when driving the small country roads during this time of the year!)

The first stop was for a field off US 290 just past Chapel Hill where I pulled up into the parking lot at the First Baptist Church of Chapel Hill.  There was a
beautiful field there with a barn right behind it.  This was perfect as it added some contrast to the flowers.   I photographed some bluebonnets as well as some buttercups here.

Texas Wildflowers

Indian PaintbrushI was headed toward the Antique Rose Emporium and I knew there’d be much more ahead and sure enough, the next patch was one of Indian paint brushes along Texas 105.  I pulled over, crossed the road, and proceeded to photograph and enjoy them.
I continued on Texas 105 toward Texas 50 and then hit the jackpot – a complete field full of bluebonnets, Indian paint brushes, buttercups, and a few others that I am not sure what they were (sorry, not a flower expert!)  This field was stunning.  I soaked it all in, took some photographs, and after about 30 minutes got back on the road.

Bluebonnets

Antique Rose EmporiumThe Antique Rose Emporium is a beautiful display garden where they sell all type of “old” roses – hardy, good growing.  They also sell herbs and all type of plants and garden “things”.  The grounds are gorgeous and worth the trip to enjoy.  Grab a seat at one of the benches and just enjoy it – or walk around the herbs and sniff the different types (including the mint chocolate!)

 

 

Antique Rose Emporium Bluebonnets 3 Bluebonnets 4

Instead of driving back the same route, I took some back roads that took me through Navasota, Plantersville, Magnolia, and to Tomball for a good Southern meal at Goodson’s cafe.