Each year, just after we welcome the golden-cheeked warblers, we begin to anticipate the next noteworthy spring event here at the farm, the appearance of the bluebonnets and other wildflowers. This year, we were unsure how the spring flowers would be affected by the severe freeze we experienced in February. However, it seems that Mother Nature took it all in stride, and our wildflowers have appeared right on schedule.
As soon as the blooms began to reach their peak, I took the dogs out for our annual photo session. Here are a few of the images I captured.
It's hard enough to find the perfect spot, with flowers and no fire ants or rattlesnakes...then one has to have the cooperation of the Bagley Pack. Rue and Cody are usually reliable subjects, but Kota is quickly bored. She doesn't hesitate to show it.
After exhausting everyone's patience, we were able to get some individual shots.
Wet Dog in Bluebonnets
Regal Dog in Bluebonnets
Happy Dog in Bluebonnets
This year has been especially dry, but the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush and other spring flowers are hardy, resourceful plants. They appear every year.
This year, the blooms are vibrant, but perhaps not as numerous as in some years. That’s a good-thing, bad-thing. Abundant wildflowers indicate poor range conditions, meaning a lack of the native grasses that nourish our cattle. When range management has been good and the grass covers the land, we see fewer blooms. This is such a year. The cattle are fat and happy, and spend much of their time loafing in the shade.
We are blessed and can’t complain. We have enough of everything good, including grass and flowers.
No comments:
Post a Comment