Early bluebonnet photos from Texas

**KiltedKnome** · 19th March 12, 09:56 AM

I remember fondly the bluebonnets in The Hill Country. Steve once brought me a bouquet of them.....of course, the staff in the clinic cautioned him that one was not supposed to pick the ones planted along the road medians....

**creagdhubh** · 19th March 12, 11:14 AM

Splendid photos, Shaun!

Cheers mate,

**Standard** · 19th March 12, 11:17 AM

Beautiful family, and a wonderful day to be out and about. Thanks for sharing with us.

**Mike_Oettle** · 19th March 12, 11:59 AM

Magnificent pictures, Shaun. The flowers are great, but your lasses are much nicer.
Regards,
Mike

**CameronCat** · 19th March 12, 05:14 PM

If that first pic doesn't win an award in a photo contest, there is no justice.
Well done.

**Matty Ross** · 19th March 12, 06:11 PM

F.h.a.c.g. X2

**Jock Scot** · 19th March 12, 09:55 PM

Wow! What a vivid blue. I have to confess that I really had no idea what a "bluebonnet" was, until now. Do they stay in flower for long? Smashing pictures, by the way.

**Downunder Kilt** · 20th March 12, 12:47 AM

Great pics of the two loves of your life Shaun and I echo Jocks comments on the bluebonnets. Looks like the family had a grand day.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 20th March 12, 07:03 AM

Thanks, all for your kind words.

Jock, the bluebonnets (which are the state flower of Texas) bloom typically in late March and generally last until early to mid-April, depending upon the amount of rainfall and temperature. They don't last long, but on a good year, there are areas where there are flowers practically as far as you can see. They are often interspersed with Indian Paintbrushes (which are red). (See image here: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...%3Divns&itbs=1)

It's a tradition for many Texans to take the family out for the annual bluebonnet photo.

Given the abundant rainfall, and warm temperatures we've experienced (already up in the 80ºF range), the flowers seem to have come a bit early this year, but I'm hopeful that they'll stay with us 'til mid-April.

Cheers,

SM

**Tobus** · 20th March 12, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Wow! What a vivid blue. I have to confess that I really had no idea what a "bluebonnet" was, until now. Do they stay in flower for long? Smashing pictures, by the way.

They generally flower in the spring, and will stay in bloom into summer. But when it gets hot and dry in late summer, they wither out and go away. Here in Texas, the blooming of the bluebonnets is sort of a cultural celebration of spring. Lots of people take to the roadways and drive around looking for scenic views of them. In some locations, there will be entire pastures (dozens or even hundreds of acres) full of bluebonnets. It's quite breathtaking.

Some examples (randomly pulled from the internet):