Lady Bird Johnson Remembered
Photo from University of Texas, Austin.In 1982 Mrs. Johnson and actress Helen Hayes founded the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The center is not only lovely, but an excellent research institution that advocates the use of native plants and the protection of rare plant species. You can learn more about Lady Bird Johnson's Wildflower Center by watching this YouTube video.
In 1989 I had the good fortune to attend a luncheon in which Lady Bird Johnson was the guest of honor. She was so inspirational I wanted to run out and plant wildflowers that very afternoon. She graciously gave each of us there an autographed copy of Texas Wildflowers, which I've cherished to this day.
Here is a beautiful quote by Lady Bird Johnson that describes her commitment to her work:
“Some may wonder why I chose wildflowers when there are hunger and unemployment and the big bomb in the world. Well, I, for one, think we will survive, and I hope that along the way we can keep alive our experience with the flowering earth. For the bounty of nature is also one of the deep needs of man.”
Rest in peace, Dear Lady.
Copyright © 2007-2009. Suburban Wildlife Garden. All Rights Reserved.
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14 comments:
I hadn't heard of her death; a sad loss. What a lovely post in her honour. I once used one of her quotes on my Photo A Day blog; I'll use another tomorrow in her memory.
Thank you, Ruth. Lady Bird Johnson was a very special person who succeeded in making the world a better and more beautiful place.
Hello ;o]
beauty and inspiration thank you ;)
Dear Dawn,
What a wonderful account -- especially exciting to know that you had a chance to hear Mrs. Johgnson speak before her stroke prevented that. The more I learn about her, as in your post, the more deeply impressed I am by her strength and foresight.
Julie
Lucky you, Dawn - that sounds like a memorable day with an amazing woman.
Annie
wonderful entry for a wonderful lady.
Funnily enough I have always thought that the grass at the side of our motorways could be well used for planting native wildflowers to the area. Maybe I ought to start trying to do something about it!!!!
Great post!
I love her quote, because I believe that flowers heal our souls and lift our spirits. Just look at those awful urban jungles and how much better the lives (and health) of those living there would be if they had the beauty of flowers in their environment.
Dawn, when I heard of her death, it reminded me of everything good she has done. This is a good tribute to a real lady.
Hi Dawn, this is a great blog! Wonderful garden!
Thanks Inspired, Bonnie, Mary & Peace,
Lady Bird Johnson has inspired me so much, I just needed to express my admiration.
Julie & Annie,
Meeting Mrs. Johnson, if only briefly, was a real honor. I've held on to the book all this time. I'm very glad to have it as a reminder of her amazing life and to help me learn more about the native plants around me.
Libby
What a terrific idea! I'll bet there are other people in your area who'd agree with you. Wildflowers are great for the environment, beautification and the overall pleasantness of the world.
Just did a little searching and found there is an UK group that's helping farmers plant wildflower seed in their hay meadows:
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/
Sounds really neat!
Dear Wildlife Gardener
I believe you're right about that. Many humans seem disturbingly separated from Nature. It's amazing what a little Earth Therapy can do for all of us.
Lovely post Dawn. And what a wonderful blog site you have. Thank you very much for including a link to my site on yours. I am honored.
Take care,
Carol
I'm back again to thank you for the link to the Hummingbird Garden. I spent way too much time in the office today watching those sweet videos :o)
Hi Carol!
I was very excited to see a new Austin Garden Blogger. You have a fantastic view and a beautiful garden.
Hello Again, Mary!
I know what you mean about watching those videos. I've turned into a shameless YouTube junky. There are so many cool videos out there that show gorgeous gardens and wildlife, it's hard to stop looking. :-)
Best to You,
Dawn
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