Natural beauty can soothe, inspire and transform the American landscape-- that’s one of the many legacy’s of Lady Bird Johnson.

Her passion for the beautification of highways will soon live near William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The Second Annual Lady Bird Johnson Tribute Planting project took place recently along eleven sites in which volunteers helped sow wildflower seeds on fifty plus acres of parkland and bayou areas across Houston.

Memorial Park, Jackson Hill Area, Allen Parkway Corridor, Stude Park, Will Clayton Boulevard near the Bush Intercontinental Airport Area, Hobby Airport entrances, Allen Parkway (Montrose/Studemont Esplanade), Willow Waterhole, Mason Park and the Braeswood Esplanade were a part of the planting sites.

“We hope Houstonians will continue to honor the Lady Bird Johnson’s early vision of the benefits of conservation and beautification,” said Joe Turner, Director Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “Last year we began this project and the response was wonderful. This year we’ve increased the acreage and noticed many more volunteers.”

Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, Primroses, and a Drummond Phlox mix were planted. The event was a great outdoor project for families and seeds and instructions were provided prior to planting. Last year’s Lady Bird Johnson Tribute Planting brought some beautiful blooms to bayous, parkland and esplanades across the city.

Be on the lookout for the new blooms in the spring.

Did you know?

• • Lady Bird was an entrepreneur who created the $150 million dollar LBJ Holdings Company.
• • She was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor.
• • She was the first woman to serve on National Geographic’s Board of Trustees.
• • She was the co-founder with actress Helen Hays of the National Wildflower Research Center and raised $10 million dollars for the facility.