Wildflowers and showers, during the Austin GB Fling

If you've been following posts from the 2018 Garden Bloggers Fling in Austin, then you know we started our 3-day tour at the  Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on Friday morning.

I was on the early bus, those people who had signed up for a photo workshop in the garden. I had visions of walking through the garden and taking photos — like we did with Saxon Holt at the San Francisco Botanical Garden years ago — instead we were lead into the auditorium where our speaker talked through the various elements of being a well-prepared photographer.

I'm sure this was a great treat for folks that are into camera gear and technology, but I use a point and shoot! Knowing rain was predicted anytime I was itching to get out in the garden and take more photos, like of this blooming Agave lechuguilla.

Eventually we were set free (okay ya, I admit, I left to use the restroom and didn't go back...but by then we were almost done anyway)...

The wildflower center seemed to be at the top of many people's "must see" list. I will admit that everything I knew about the place was from posts on Pam Penick's blog, and even then I've only retained a few things (but here's a great post to start with, if you're curious).

The stone structures at the entrance were so well done. I could have spent hours just here.

Hey, I know that small perch in the corner! That's where the great horned owl nests!

I didn't see any ears though.

The view goes on and on and on...

Here's the courtyard where we took our group photo before the rain started, and which we ran back to, once it got crazy wet.

Venturing out, I wasn't sure what direction to head.

I made it out a little further before turning around and heading back to the center. The sky was getting heavy. Rainfall seemed eminent.

The observation tower wasn't open the morning of our visit (sad face).

Agave havardiana

Next I headed over towards the trails, but again I questioned how far out did I really want to go? It had started raining by this point. Just a nice light PNW rain, but something told me it could get worse.

This sign sealed the deal. I grew up with rattlesnakes and had no desire to relive that experience.

The garden really was quite picturesque...

The first of many large cisterns we would see over the next few days.

Ah yes, the stock tank gardens (aka the themed gardens) and my poncho covered tribe.

I've been curious about how exactly these cut tanks fit together and was happy to finally see them in person.
Love this!

And of course the monster Agave americana was pretty high on my list of fabulous things too.

Oh my! That small tree is actually...

...a monster Cylindropuntia!

I walked on, to the family garden, which looked very interesting.
But right about here is when the rain changed into something much different from what we get at home.

I heard a few Californians express surprise that we Oregonians were shocked by the rain. Pulease! As much rain fell in that afternoon as we get in an entire month. It was amazing. And drove us all into the gift shop. Here's my instagram video of the experience, and here's our group photo...back when we were all dry...

Weather Diary, July 5: Hi 87, Low 57/ Precip 0

All material © 2009-2018 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.