Fall has arrived at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin

Fall is finally in the air, and if you’re like me, you’re anxious to move beyond the hottest, driest summer in Austin’s history. I’m ready to dig in the dirt—and revive my scraggly yard and flower beds.  For gardening advice and a great selection of plants, there’s no better place to be this weekend than the Lady Bird JohnsonWildflower Center. Plan to attend the annual fall plant sale and gardening festival, October 15-16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can choose from nearly 300 species of hardy Texas natives bred to deal with our Central Texas climate. If possible, bring your own wagon to haul your purchases, but feel free to leave purchases at the Holding Area while you finish enjoying your visit, or up until the Plant Sale closes on Sunday. For a list of plants available for sale, go to http://www.wildflower.org/collections

On both Saturday and Sunday, an hour-long walk and talk about native trees for fall planting will be held at 10 a.m., while another walk and talk about drought tolerant plants is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Book signings, kids’ story time, and lawn replacement advice are also on tap during the festival.  

If you have reusable 4-inch and one gallon plastic pots, you may bring those for recycling and leave them at the collection bin available at the front entrance. Free cold filtered water is available for filling your reusable water bottle while perusing the planted areas and sale.

Wildflower Center members may shop on Friday, Oct. 14 from 1-7 p.m. On Friday at 11:30 a.m., author Amy Stewart speaks about her book, "Wicked Plants," in the auditorium, followed by a book signing until 2 p.m.

Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors and students, $4 UT faculty, staff or students with identification, $3 children 5 through 12, members and children under 5 free.

Also scheduled at the Wildflower Center is Goblins in the Garden, Sunday, October 30, 4-7 p.m. 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, 512-232-0100,  www.wildflower.org

Read more travel stories by Beverly at Striped Pot