The photo above is a Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) butterfly, also called Blue Swallowtail. It is found in North and Central America. I had to try countless times to get pictures of this butterfly, but they move so quickly that … Read More

Happy Valentine’s Day! On a past visit to Palo Duro Canyon SP, our first hike was at the number one trail in the park: the Lighthouse Trail. Known for its view of Capitol Peak and the Lighthouse, this trail also … Read More

Giant Spiderwort (Tradescantia gigantea) is a perennial flower in Louisiana and Texas. This three-petal flower blooms in white, pink, blue, purple, or violet. The colors indicate the acidity of the soil in which they grow. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower … Read More

We are under a “false spring” in Texas right now. This week, the weather has been very warm for this time of the year: upper 70s and low 80s (between 23-28ºC). Next week, winter should return. This shot was captured … Read More

Whenever the weather gets too hot in Texas, there is not much one can do but stay indoors or near air conditioning. In some years, we get milder and wetter conditions. When that happens, there is a lot of green … Read More

We just had our first significant freeze and snow of the year. So, why am I posting wildflower photos? Knowing Texas weather, I am confident — in the same vein a weather forecaster is — we will see new wildflowers … Read More

Spring in Texas is a time for backroad drives and wildflower beauty. Although wildflowers are everywhere, seeing them out on backroads is a special treat. In addition to the famous and crowded Willow City Loop, County Road 307 is another … Read More

Many local shrubs and trees suffered devastating effects after the hard week-long freeze and snowfall that hit Texas in February 2021. Throughout the city, it was evident to see the damage caused. Most noticeable were palm trees. The city of … Read More

Some time ago, we went for a visit to a fantastic Austin nursery, Garden Seventeen. We were looking for native plants to add to our front and back yards in our old house. After the 2021 February snowpocalypse, a few … Read More

Known for its expansive landscape views, Big Bend National Park (Texas) also has a fantastic display of wildflowers. If you have ever been to that park in the spring, you have seen a vast display of wildflowers covering the entire … Read More