Situated on 279 acres of land in the southwest corner of Austin, Texas surrounded by the neighborhood of Circle C Ranch is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Founded in 1982 as the National Wildflower Research Center and later renamed in honor of its founder former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson. The center was established to promote the preservation and use of native plants through education and example. More then 630 native plants and over 180 custom designed gardens inspire all who visit the grounds. Large oak trees and a tall stone cistern with an arching aqueduct that suggests it has been in place since long ago welcome visitors into the garden center. Along the entrance path to the gardens is the Wetlands Pond, home to native fish, bullfrogs, turtles and dragonflies. The pond serves as a tranquil resting spot throughout the changing seasons for visitors young and old. Water conservation is very important at the wildflower center so a rainwater collection system has been set in place. From approximately 17,000 square feet of roof top that cover the buildings throughout the grounds 25,000 gallon tanks hold the water run off. The system can store up to 68,500 gallons of rain water which is used to irrigate the land. A courtyard with a spring is at the center of the facility surrounded by the store, caf?nd auditorium. To the left of the courtyard and past the caf?s a tall cistern overlook or observation tower. Climbing the stairs to the top on a clear day some say you can almost see all the way to San Antonio. All of the buildings and cisterns at the center are made from a variety of native Texas stone. A wide range of classes are offered in the spring and fall for young children as well as adults inspiring and educating students about the environment and natural beauty of native plants. An intern program even offers college credits.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the grounds on their own through a variety of exhibits in the gallery as well as signs along the walking paths that direct and identify native plants. Docents offer tours and lectures are given in the auditorium. Workshops vary greatly from watercolor painting and botanical drawing to medicinal plants and landscaping tips. A library of more then 2000 books and journals is an educational resource to area teachers although the materials cannot be checked out they are for use while the center is open. The library also houses a large collection of slides that can be rented out along with slide shows for purchase. The center is in full bloom in April, May and June and is the perfect setting for an evening wedding in fact the facility hosts approximately 80 weddings each year. Festivals and fairs are planned throughout the year along with seasonal events. Wild Ideas, the store is a great place to shop with its large selection of treasures for purchase items include colorful dishes, birdhouses, floral antique handbags, jewelry, natural food items, birdfeeders, books, clothing, music and much more. The Wildflower Caf?s open from 10 to 4 daily and offers a variety of salads, soups and sandwiches as well as desserts and beverages. The Center is supported partially by memberships and sponsors as well as through proceeds from the store, Wild Ideas, and facility rentals for conferences, meeting and weddings. A visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a gift you can give yourself again and again, take some time to visit this exceptional setting you won't be disappointed.
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