TEXAS NEIGHBORS | SPRING 2022 By Julie Tomascik Editor Spring has finally sprung! But the beauty we are accustomed to see-ing alongside the Texas roadways and in our parks aren’t as plentiful. The dry winter left much to be desired in terms of moisture for Texas wildflowers, pastures and crops. But that doesn’t mean we can’t relive the beauty from all the gorgeous springs we’ve had previously. Take a trip down memory lane with some of our favorite wildflower photos in the Lone Star State. And be patient. We just might see some bright colors popping up in large numbers soon! When you do find a beautiful patch of bluebonnets or other wildflow-ers, there are a few things to keep in mind as you snap some photos. In Texas, private property means private . Don’t cross the fence. Don’t park in someone’s driveway. Put simply, don’t trespass. That’s not the Texan way. Be safe! Wildflower season means plenty of traffic on the roads, so always pay attention to your surroundings. Stopping on the side of the road can impede traffic, and there’s always a risk of someone losing con-trol of their vehicle and running off the road. Be smart and avoid this danger. No photo is worth risking your life or your loved ones’ lives! Check the area before setting up for photos . Wildflowers are per-fect ground cover for animals of all kinds, including snakes, insects and the occasional small vermin. Just because you don’t see them at first glance doesn’t mean they’re not around. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to get the shot! Remember to pay attention to lighting and composition. Check for fence posts, power lines and other objects in the background of the photo. The harsh Texas sunlight can be a challenge with photographs. Sometimes you’ll need to adjust your subject and angles to get the best shot with the right lighting and composition. Whether you’re using your phone or camera, anyone can take good photos. It just takes a little bit of thought and some practice. From wildflowers to crops emerging from the ground, the Lone Star State is coming alive again this spring. Take a road trip and enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer. WWW.TEXASFARMBUREAU.ORG