A spectacular wildflower season in Texas depends on many factors. A dry summer  plus a wet fall plus a cold winter plus heavy spring rains equals one spectacular wildflower season. And Texas may be in for a bumper year this year for all the reasons above -- and a little help from wildflower lovers across the state; those wonderful folks who plant them year after year in hopes of covering every square inch of the Lone Star State in a colorful wild bouquet of vibrant reds and yellows and blues and orange. With over 5,000 species in existence in Texas and eight distinct regions throughout the state where native plants thrive, there is a wildflower planting and viewing season to enjoy statewide. But helping out the process is the upcoming Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Saturday-Sunday, April 14-15, 9a.m.-5p.m., boasting the largest selection of native plants in the area with almost 300 species and 23,000 plants, plus seeds from Native American Seed. The Spring Plant Sale is the one-stop shop for native plant gardeners. Native plant experts will be available both days to help you make the best choice for your garden and your area of Texas. Visitors will also enjoy hourly guided trips of the gardens and children's activities throughout the two day event. Artist Sue Kemp will sign the 2007 Wildflower Days art print both days. On Saturday, Roland Wauer, naturalist and author, will sign “Finding Butterflies in Texas,” Jerry and Jim Kimmel will sign “The San Marcos,” and Shirley and Brian Loflin will sign “Grasses of the Texas Hill Country.” On Sunday, you can meet the creators of “Please Don't Eat the Bluebonnets,” a delightful new children's book. 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 Johnson, former first lady and wife to President  Lyndon Baines Johnson. 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. 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. 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. While the center is open year round, the  Spring Plant Sale is a great time to check out the gardens and bring home plants to beautify your owner corner of Texas. As Lady Bird says, "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..." May your corner of the world become as beautiful as Lady Bird Johnson and the folks of the Wildflower Center envision. Don't miss the Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Saturday-Sunday, April 14-15, 9a.m.-5p.m. " All photos courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Native Plant Information Network Image Gallery". Taken by Wildflower Center Staff.