Living Outside The Lines: “A Bluebonnet State Of Mind”

Growing up in South Carolina where the state flower is the Yellow Jessamine, which I confess to not knowing until I started writing this column #Shameful, I did not discover Bluebonnets until sometime after my sixteenth year of life.

Becky J Miller | Exclusive to Corridor News

Ahhh Bluebonnets…..Texans, native and transplanted, know the first Bluebonnet sighting means spring has arrived, or at the very least is lurking just around the corner.

Some years the dusting of flowers begins in February and other years they save their appearance until just a bit later.

Growing up in South Carolina where the state flower is the Yellow Jessamine, which I confess to not knowing until I started writing this column #Shameful, I did not discover Bluebonnets until sometime after my sixteenth year of life.

How I ever survived all those years without witnessing the beauty of their presence decorating the highways and bi-ways, I do not know.

Somewhere along the way Bluebonnets became my favorite flower. Every spring without fail, the first family member to spot them usually snaps a pic and sends a text letting me know they’ve arrived! Oh, how I love Bluebonnets.

My kitchen décor is a Bluebonnet shrine complete with custom made placemats and table runner, crafted with love by my sister.

Undoubtedly, I am not the only Bluebonnet lover in the state; the sprinkling of Bluebonnet pictures in my social media feeds provide testament that others also admire their beauty.

While anyone can appreciate their splendor, I wonder how many facts most Texans know about their state flower?

I admit to knowing little about Bluebonnets other than: 1) They are the official flower of Texas. 2) They bloom in spring. 3) Too much or too little rain can impact when or if they make an appearance. 4) They grow naturally. 5) Contrary to local lore, it is not illegal to pick them. 5) My husband and I have not been able to successfully grow them ourselves.

Countryliving.com provides some interesting facts about Bluebonnets. For example, did you know Ennis is considered the official Bluebonnet city in Texas? Up to 100,000 visitors flock to Ennis annually to observe the 40 miles of wildflowers decorating the roadsides.

Chappell Hill runs a close second with the “Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival” also attracting scores of annual tourists.

Bluebonnets were named the Official Flower of Texas in 1901, after the National Society of Colonial Dames made the recommendation by sending a painting of the flowers in bloom.

As the story goes, male legislators initially rejected the idea, preferring instead the cotton boll or the cactus.

There was much debate, but ultimately the gentlemen bowed to the wishes of their female counterparts. Way to go, Ladies!!

When spring begins her graceful exit, a few Bluebonnet patches will stubbornly stand their ground. To those strong warriors I say, “well done.”

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller

“Warrior Princess”

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.