Vines and Arches
by Connie Fox
Title
Vines and Arches
Artist
Connie Fox
Medium
Photograph - Outdoor Color Photo
Description
Wisteria vines (wisteria frutescens, or American wisteria) spill over the arched entry at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center near Austin, Texas. The arches, three or four in a row plus one over the adjacent entry to the gardens, are built of native Texas stone, rugged in texture, and in shades of rust and cream.
The Wildflower Center was started by former First Lady of the United States of America Lady Bird (the nickname given to her by her father). In partnership with her friend and famous actress Helen Hayes, it expressed her passion for the beautification of America and belongs to The University of Texas, whose main campus is nearby in Austin.
Mostly likely this is wisteria frutescens, native to Texas, and resistant to heat and pests. It is a woody, deciduous, perennial climbing vine well-suited for temperate climates. Though it grows with a mind of its own, it is ideally suited to this use. It can be trained to arbors, walls, and columns, but is not well-suited near wood. Wisteria benefits from a little trim now and then to help keep it under control and nicely shaped, as these are. You will note the tendrils, adding grace and beauty, plus the rustic touch often seen in Texas landscaping.
Copyright 2009–2020 Connie Steitz Fox
All rights reserved
FEATURED by these groups: Showcasing the South, Just Perfect, Images That Excite You, and Compact Digital Camera Photographers, 2020.
Uploaded
August 21st, 2020
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