In Memoriam: Lady Bird Johnson

Posted by Colleen Vanderlinden Jul 11, 2007

"My heart found its home long ago in the beauty, mystery, order and disorder of the flowering earth."--Lady Bird Johnson

Plant and garden lovers across the world were saddened today by news of the passing of Lady Bird Johnson. Johnson initially came into the public eye in her role of First Lady, but has become beloved by so many of us because of her dedication to the conservation of our nation's native plants and wild places. In 1982, on her 70th birthday, Mrs. Johnson founded the National Wildflower Research Center, which was dedicated to the re-establishment of native plants in both natural and planned landscapes. In 1997, the center was re-named the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. She is also responsible for the Beautification Act of 1965, which mandated that advertising and junkyards along the nation's highways would be cleaned up, and encouraged the installation of plants along those highways. In fact, many of the wildflowers that so many of us see planted at the side of the interstate are there because of Mrs. Johnson.

For those of us who would like to pay tribute to Mrs. Johnson, the family of the former first lady has asked that donations be made to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Endowment Fund. Another way to pay tribute is in our very own gardens. Consider planting more native plants and wildflowers. Get involved in local conservation efforts, and spread the word about the importance of native plants. And, if you're ever near Austin, be sure to visit her legacy, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.