Unique Experiences

Item Description

The Destination:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Austin, TX

Hosted by Andrea DeLong-Amaya, director of horticulture

The Experience:

• A visit for up to four (4) people
• A general tour of the Texas native plant gardens led by director of horticulture Andrea DeLong-Amaya.
• Interest and time permitting, a visit to the growing facility, the Luci and Ian Family Garden, and/ or the Zachry Texas Arboretum
• Lunch at the Wildflower Cafe
• 20% discount on regularly priced merchandise (i.e., non-consignment) at the Wildflower Center Gift Store

Lady Bird Johnson, our former first lady, recognized that our country was losing its wild landscapes and natural beauty. Her vision for the Wildflower Center was to preserve and restore that beauty and the biological richness of North America. As the Botanic Garden of Texas, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is inspiring the conservation of native plants through its internationally recognized sustainable gardens, education and outreach programs, research projects, and consulting work. The Wildflower Center’s 284 acres include nine acres of unique native plant gardens designed to inspire, educate and demonstrate the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. A range of garden styles, from naturalistic to formal and stylized, show the versatility of Texas native flora. Highlights include Theme Gardens, Home Inspiration Gardens, Hill Country Stream and Woodland, Taste of Place Edible Garden, and the Pollinator Habitat Garden and Insectary. The Luci and Ian Family Garden combines whimsical features such as giant birds’ nests, a stylized grotto and waterfall, the Metamorphosis Maze, and Lynda’s Library, all nestled within dramatic native plantings. The 16 acre Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum is developed as a classic arboretum with an interpreted collection where visitors can learn about the diversity of Texas trees, with an emphasis on Texas oaks. The trails through the garden's natural areas highlight the beautiful savanna ecosystem of Central Texas. Landscapes and buildings reflect the center's purpose to conserve native plants, create sustainable landscapes and conserve resources.

Andrea DeLong-Amaya manages the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s horticulture programs and is passionate about sharing the value and versatility of native plants in planned landscapes.  A staff member since 1998 with nearly 30 years of experience in horticulture, she guides a department of 15 staff in the design and management of nine acres of native gardens, a 16-acre arboretum, natural areas, and a native plant nursery.  She teaches classes in native plant horticulture and has contributed gardening articles to Taunton’s Fine Gardening, Rodale’s Organic Gardening, American Public Garden Association’s Public Garden, Neil Sperry’s Gardens magazine and e-Gardens, and the Center’s Wildflower magazine. She earned a B.A. in geography from The University of Texas at Austin, served as vice president of administration for the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a leader in native plant horticulture with the American Public Garden Association. 

Item Special Note

Best Times to Visit:

Most visitors come to see our glorious spring wildflowers during peak season in April/May. If it is specifically bluebonnets you are interested in, April is the most reliable time. Spring wildflowers and various penstemons are in full glory in April and May, but may extend well into June depending on weather. October and early November feature many salvias, sunflowers, asters, and grasses. Winter displays a more subtle beauty with dried grasses and shrubs which provide elegant foils to our native succulents.

Conditions/Limitations for this item:

Not valid most holidays. Tour to be arranged at a mutually agreeable time subject to host’s availability by October 30, 2020.