April 04, 2026
This spring has been a bust for bluebonnets along highways, and we can thank the ongoing drought for that. But this week I got wind of a good patch out at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Spicewood. We texted friends and spontaneously made the hour-long drive northwest of Austin on Wednesday evening.
We arrived just before the golden hour. It may have been April Fools’ Day, but no joke — the bluebonnets were amazing! As I stepped out of the car, their sweet fragrance washed over me. I hadn’t smelled bluebonnets like that since the bumper-crop fields of 2010.
A steady breeze made each flower wave a friendly hello.
Lake Travis curves along the ridge beyond, adding its own line of blue.
Because it was a weekday evening, not a lot of people were there. I was happy to watch others delighting over the flowers…
…and taking Easter photos with their pups.
One more — what a cutie!
Bluebonnets sparkle with white-tipped indigo flower spikes, like whitecaps on a blue lake.
Here and there, the flowers mingled with last season’s grasses.
Along the lake, a stand of willows or something were still bare — a color block of tan against the greens and blues. Birds shot past like brown torpedoes.
Maybe cedar waxwings?
It was glorious, an iconic Texas spring scene.
We took a few selfies in the ‘bonnets.
Our friends, Cat and Derrick, demonstrated a more vigorous bluebonnet pose.
David and Derrick got all the way up into blue sky. Now that’s bluebonnet enthusiasm!
And why not? I mean, look! Imagine a sweet floral fragrance too.
As the sun set, the blues deepened. A 360-turn reveals hills in the distance…
…live oaks along the road…
…and blue lake and boat docks.
It was the sweetest sight for me this spring, my last one as a Texan. We’re moving to another state famous for wildflowers, but Colorado’s columbines and lupines bloom in summer. A different joy awaits.
Thank you for all the beauty, Texas.
Book Tour Events
Heads up, Central Texas gardeners: I have ONE more speaking event for the launch of Gardens of Texas. And huzzah — it’s free! Come see me, get gardening inspiration, and if you like, purchase a signed copy of the book. Here are the details:
April 18, 10:00-11:30 am – Cedar Park
Presentation: Cedar Park Parks & Rec event
Register for this free talk (limited seating); select Gardening 101: Gardens of Texas
1435 Main St, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Drawing from the visionary landscapes in Gardens of Texas, I’ll share how resilient gardeners are embracing change, shifting their plant palette, nurturing wildlife, and finding deeper joy in the process. I’ll have books for sale and signing at the talk. Free and open to the public.
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Digging Deeper
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.
All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohi
