"The Environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing that we all share. It is not only a mirror of ourselves, but a focusing lens on what we can become..." Lady Bird Johnson Mother's Day is just around the corner and every year it's a challenge to show Mom in a meaningful way how much we appreciate all she does.  It's nice, of course, to give the traditional presents of flowers, handmade cards and dinner out. But as most Mothers will tell you, just spending quality time with the family is what she loves most. Spending that time with her is easier this year, thanks to the Gardens on Tour 2006 event hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. This is the second year for the tour, and because of last year's success, it's looking to become an annual event for Mothers Day. Imagine a beautiful spring day in the Hill Country, strolling through some of Austin's finest private gardens, landscapes of impeccable beauty. The kaleidoscope of colors are as intense as any gallery painting, the aroma of wildflowers wafting through the air are delightful. The  birds  seem to be singing a song in praise of Mothers everywhere while butterflies float about carefree as if to say "enjoy the day let your troubles slip away".  It would be a Mother's Day to remember. This special tour, to be held Saturday, May 13, is a self-guided event into five private exquisite gardens and includes entrance into the Wildflower Center.  At each garden you will find landscape professionals, home owners and garden experts to educate you on garden design and the use of native plants. That is, after all, the main mission of the event - and of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. About Lady Bird Johnson The United States, and certainly Texas, owes much to the woman who inspired and developed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The former First Lady and her husband, the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson, were always active in community activities. Little did Claudia Alta Taylor (her birth name) know that she would grow up leave the small Texas town of Karnack to attend the University of Texas where she meet her future husband. Their subsequent marriage and the entry of  LBJ into national politics would forever change the nation and Texas. The marriage was made in heaven. While each complimented the other, it was truly a case of "opposites attract". Where Lady Bird was refined, calm, demure and even diminutive, LBJ was highly emotional, quick to anger, and certainly carried his large stature in a confident manner.  She was like Beauty to his Beast - and he cherished her for it. In spite of her physical stature however, Lady Bird's impact on her husband's administration was far from diminutive. She did not merely live in the shadow of her husband's position. If anything, she permanently changed the role of the First Lady for administrations to come. No longer would the First Lady's role be merely that of a confidant, but one of legislative planners, working mothers, successful businesswomen, and, yes, even politicians. Lady Bird was an active participant in LBJ's presidency at a time of great turmoil in U.S. History. The Johnson presidency will always be remembered for the impact of his "Great Society" programs, and will also be remembered for beginning a new era in conservation, environmental awareness, and the beautification the nation. This was, and is, Lady Bird's passion and is evidenced along our nation's highways today, especially in the State of Texas with the construction of the Hill Country Wildflower Center, one of her crowning achievements. The Birth of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center    While most 70-year old retirees would choose to relax and enjoy their golden years, it was just another time of great frenetic energy for Lady Bird. The year was 1982 and she had the vision - a lifetime dream to accomplish. And with the help of dear friend and cofounder actress Helen Hayes, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was created. The Center's mission is to educate the public about the environmental necessity, economic value, and natural beauty of wildflowers & native plants. After all, wildflowers and native plants not only beautify landscapes but are one of the best sources for preserving natural water tables, reducing strain on water quality, nourishing wildlife, and help to reduce the cost of landscaping. Texas is gratefully endowed with many areas which are now highly resourceful in using wildflowers and native plants to beautify their regions - thanks to the efforts of the very remarkable former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson. The end result has been a positive impact for tourism in these areas and a pleasant landscape of natural beauty. The Wildflower Center mission has influenced many other states to follow suit, and they have benefited as well, all because of that early vision of Lady Bird. In the first year of operation the center was aided greatly by the Junior League of Austin who committed $30,000 toward the project. The League also committed twenty-one League volunteers who would hold important jobs to solidify the growth of the research center. Over the past 24 years the center has grown from a small plot of undeveloped land to over 279 acres with over 500 species of native plants. Needless to say, it has become a popular destination for knowledge-seeking gardeners, nature-loving tourists and a few history buffs. . The Center consists of breathtaking garden exhibits, exquisite walking trails, many research and educational facilities including a library and an impressive growing operation where more than 100,000 native plant seedlings can be grown at one time. There is also an elegant  232 seat auditorium where many symposiums and lectures are held by internationally known scientists, authors, photographers, horticulturists, and storytellers. And just in case you work up a hunger from all this wildflower adventure, the Wildflower Cafe serves unique light lunches, like homemade soup and their famous Wildflower Wrap with roasted poblano and portabella mushroom. Top it off with a nice cool Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea and yummy homemade flan and you'll be ready to hit the wildflower trail again. While the center is open year round the Gardens on Tour event does highlight the center and these fantastic private gardens at the height of wildflower season, a spectacular time to visit. One can't deny it would make an unforgettable Mother's Day present that any mother would cherish for a lifetime. As Lady Bird says, " Searching out nature's gifts in the countryside somehow leads me to simpatico people with interesting stories. Perhaps it is just that delight in life, like delight in nature that is contagious, linking us to the inner prosperity of the human spirit." Get out and enjoy nature. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center awaits your discovery. Happy Mothers Day! " All photos courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Native Plant Information Network Image Gallery". Taken by Wildflower Center Staff.