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An Austin Oasis

My granddaughter Ainsley and I were visiting my son in Austin, Texas, and even though it was a hot summer day, the three of us decided to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

This facility has many facets, including conservation, research, and education; our goal was to enjoy the flowers and garden designs.

The Wildflower Center was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes as the National Wildflower Research Center in 1982 and later renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in 1997.

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“Our Center works for more than the lovely blossoms in our open spaces. We are concerned for all of North America’s native plants, from the smallest sprout to the tallest tree,” Lady Bird Johnson said of the center.

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At 284-acres featuring 900 species of native Texas plants, there is a lot to see.

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After entering, we went to a hub and headed right to enter the Luci and Ian Family Garden. As we looked out onto the vast prairie, it was hard to believe that we were actually in a city.

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We circled the garden and discovered an oasis with a waterfall and lovely flowers surrounding it. The last area we toured was the Central Gardens that include a pollinator habitat garden.

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Although it was hot, we still enjoyed our time learning about Texas plants, trees, and animals. This oasis in the middle of the city is a great destination within a bustling city.

Tags: Austin, family travel, Texas
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marilynjones

Marilyn Jones, a journalist and photographer for more than 30 years, specializes in travel. Her articles and photographs have appeared in major newspapers including Dallas Morning News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Baltimore Sun, Chicago Sun-Time and Columbus Dispatch. As well as major magazines including Elks Magazine, Alabama Living, Military Officer, Escapees, Texas Farm and Home, Illinois Country Living, Carolina Country and Renaissance Magazine.

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