The wildflowers along the highways could be so thick: The fields of flowers along the roads are no accident. Since the mid-1930s, Glessner says, TxDOT has committed to preserving and promoting the growth of native wildflowers for Texans and visitors – these days, over 30,000 pounds of seeds are planted around growing season.

Mass planting gives the state thousands of beautiful bluebonnets and wildflowers, but TxDOT has discovered there are practical applications, too.
“Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also provide ground cover, water conservation. They stabilize the soil and crowd out less desirable vegetation,” Glessner says.
The wildflowers also save the agency some money – to prolong the wildflowers, they’ll typically delay mowing the area.

Cattle were eating up that green green grass.