Suburban Wildlife Garden: Texas Wildflowers

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Lady Bird Johnson Remembered

I was so sorry to hear that former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson passed away this week. She really was a remarkable lady who did so much for environmental conservation and the beautification of our countryside.

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.

Through her efforts, Lady Bird Johnson helped to promote the planting of vast areas of Texas roadways and fields with beautiful native wildflowers.

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.