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In Bloom: Wildflower Season in Texas

Apr 24, 2020

Every year, Texans wait anxiously for the day when bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes fill the hills with vibrant color.

“There are so many incredible native wildflowers that come to life in spring, like Indian blankets, Blackfoot daisies, prickly poppies and, of course our state flower – the Texas bluebonnet,” says Doris Lea, Executive Director of Hidden Springs of McKinney.

There are more than 5,000 types of flowers that burst into color every spring along the roadways of Texas. While bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes are the stars of the show, other favorites include Drummond phlox, verbena, pink English primrose, Texas bluebells, bee balm, sunflowers, morning glories, rain lilies and many, many more.

Originally, this blog post was going to feature a small sampling of spots around the McKinney, Texas area where you could find your perfect wildflower photo op and experience. However, because of COVID-19, most of our favorite sites are temporarily closed. It’s more than a little sad, because the warm weather has brought an early season to the Texas plains.

Instead, we’ve put together some suggestions for enjoying the wildflowers safely and comfortably during the quarantine.

(As a reminder, wildflowers are exactly that – wild. And while there are no laws on the books about picking flowers, Texans are taught at a young age that it’s best to leave those wild beauties to themselves. Much like you wouldn’t try to catch a wild animal, it’s encouraged to not pick or trample through fields of wildflowers.)

Best Ways to See Wildflowers While Social Distancing

The best way to see wildflowers while also practicing good social distancing techniques? Head out on a wildflower drive. There are literally hundreds of miles of scenic roads, highways, byways and avenues where you can find gorgeous blooms as far as the eye can see. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has a list of some spectacular scenic drives that Texans can take, from the Panhandle all the way down to Southwest Texas.

The Dallas/Fort Worth area is located in two distinct regions of our great state. The first is the Blackland Prairies, which is a region named for its deep, fertile black soils. This region consists of a gently rolling landscape with most vegetation related to farming and ranching. Remnants of the Blackland Prairies are preserved in the Clymer Meadow Preserve in Hunt County, Parkhill Prairie in Collin County, Cedar Hill State Park in Cedar Hill and Rosehill Park in Garland. Wildflowers at Cedar Hill include bluebonnets, antelope horns, bluebell and fleabane.

The other region is the Cross Timbers and Prairie region, which is marked by dense areas of trees combined with irregular plains and prairies. It is west of the Blackland Prairies and northeast of the Edwards Plateau. Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth protects the native prairie with more than 500 native wildflower and plant species. The Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve in Southlake protects the eastern Cross Timbers ecosystem on about 750 acres.

While many of our favorite locations are closed until further notice, it’s important to note that the roads themselves aren’t actually closed. Take a drive along one of our highways or state roads. It’s a great way to get an eyeful of nature’s colors and can inspire you to pull over at an exit and snap a few shots (from the safety of your car, of course).

Finally, if you are sheltering at home, there is always the Parks and Wildlife Flickr account, which regularly posts pictures of this season’s beauty. While it’s no substitute for the real thing, it’s an easy (and safe) way to get your bluebonnet fix for the year.

“Heading out to view the wildflowers is just one of the many activities we plan for residents at our luxury retirement community in McKinney,” says Doris. “While we’re unable to do that this year, we can still look at the photos online and reminisce over favorite trips we’ve had in the past. We’re looking forward to next season when we can again wander the fields and see the Texas beauty we know and love.”

For more information about our new community in North Dallas, please contact us at 972.483.0234.

Luxury Living in North Dallas

At Hidden Springs of McKinney, we understand how important location is to North Dallas seniors who are looking for an engaging, enriching retirement lifestyle. Located in McKinney, Texas, we are close to medical centers, arts and entertainment, outdoor opportunities and everything else you love about this area. Seniors who choose to make us their home can enjoy a range of trips, opportunities and activities while living their very best life thanks to our innovative focus on wellness.

Active Retirement Living for a Healthy Tomorrow

The secret to a life well-lived awaits you at Hidden Springs of McKinney. Envisioned and developed by Madison Marquette, a company with a 25-year track record of investing in vibrant communities and a stellar reputation for developing luxury residences, you’ll discover all the possibilities your retirement brings … as well as the confidence of knowing your future is secure.

Our beautifully appointed, active retirement living community is created for those who expect more out of life. Luxury living, gracious services, resort-quality amenities, engaging programs and stunning apartments in 15 floor plans are just a few of the benefits awaiting you. And with assisted living and memory care services offered on campus, you can retire with complete peace of mind, knowing that if needs change, the care you deserve is right at home.

To learn more about Hidden Springs of McKinney and discover The Secret to a Life Well Lived, call or visit us today. We’d be happy to schedule a tour and show you just how much our location can make your retirement experience exceptional. Call us today at 972.483.0234.