This year’s April Wildflower Issue, 22 pages of the best of Texas’ spring color, marks my 15^th year designing this spectacular feature. One of my biggest challenges each year is in presenting flower photos that are fresh yet timeless, and composing striking image combinations. This could not be possible without the hundreds of photo submissions we receive from photographers throughout the state. Much, if not most of the credit goes to Photo Editor Griff Smith for reviewing all of the submissions and paring them down to just over a hundred. Of these, only 22 were selected for this year’s feature. The criteria for selection includes such things as whether a particular flower is mentioned on one of the four wildflower drives, the region where the flower was shot, and of course, visual impact, color, and composition.

TH Photo Editor Griff Smith spotted this patch of phlox in Lee County.

Although there are a few “go-to” wildflower-photogs we count on year after year to provide stellar flower coverage, Griff and I are always surprised and amazed by the new discoveries we uncover—photographers whose work graces the wildflower pages for the first time. This year, Steven Schwartzman, Aja Martin, Randy Heisch, and Erik H. Pronske, M.D. (actually, this is his second year) join forces with stalwart WF shooters Richard Reynolds, Tim Fitzharris, Lance Varnell, and Joe Lowery, who provided the front cover image, as he has for many Aprils. And there are some returning WF veterans—welcome back, Wyman Meinzer and Al Braden!

So you think you can shoot? If you’re interested in submitting your wildflower photos to us, start by taking a look at the Photo Guidelines on our website before sending. And please refrain from sending wildflower images featuring babies or other loved ones. In the pages of TH, flowers are the focus!

More photo opps.: Mark your calendar for May 3-9 when the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Canon join us in presenting an exhibit of Texas-size, larger-than-life wildlflower images from the April issue at the Wildflower Center’s McDermott Learning Center. Keep checking our website, become a fan on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter for the latest details on this very special event!

Thomas Haberle wrote us recently to let us know that longtime TH friend Wanda Timmermann celebrates her 100th birthday August 25th.
Wanda, along with her six sisters, were the focus of two TH features covering their family holiday traditions in Geronimo, near Seguin. The Christmas gatherings (TH Dec. 1981) centered around events in 1849, when their great-grandparents took in 19 children whose parents died on their journey to Texas from Germany. Detailed displays in the family home, which was open to groups, were made by the Timmermanns and recreated scenarios of the period, and Wanda would read journals from the era. Displays could also be seen during Wurstfest in New Braunfels every November. In addition to TH, the festivities were featured in Life and Better Homes & Gardens. The Timmermanns were longstanding members of the community and also cooked Thanksgiving dinners at their church (which we covered in Nov. 1994).
Of the seven sisters, Wanda and her 97-year-old sister Meta survive. According to Mr. Haberle, Wanda spends her time caring for her sister and is writing a book about her heritage, which will soon be published. The TH staff sends heartfelt birthday wishes to Wanda on this momentous occasion.

In the photo: From Texas Highways, Dec. 1981: As she often does for Christmas visitors, Wanda Timmermann stands on the stairs to read reminiscences of Christmas 1849 while her sisters listen. Standing, from left, are Hulda, Willie Mae, and Melitta behind Tekla and Stella. Meta sits in front.

The April issue marks my 14th year designing (and selecting images for) our signature Wildflower feature.  I occasionally get asked if I have a favorite wildflower. Gaillardia pulchella, more commonly known as Indian blanket or Firewheel, has long been one of my favorites.  According to the folks at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Gaillardia is found throughout Texas and is one of the easiest wildflowers to grow.  I like to think of it as one of the unsung heroes in the Big Bluebonnet Show. Sure, it’s fairly common, but to me the accessibility is part of its beauty.  (For instance, Austin’s Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail has patches of them along the north side)   Gaillardia’s symmetric, daisy-like appearance and bursts of vibrant, distinctive color also appeal to my design sensibilities—instant art direction in the palm of your hand!

Do you have a favorite wildflower—besides the iconic bluebonnet?   Tell us—and include a snapshot, too!

Have a comment, question or observation about something you’ve seen in the print version of Texas Highways, or on our website? This is just the place to weigh in!

Lois M. Rodriguez, Web editor
Texas Highways, the official travel magazine of Texas