Norfolk, Neb. ? Plentiful spring rains have made Nebraska’s roadsides more appealing than they’ve been in years.

That’s because this spring’s partial relief of a three-year drought has produced wildflowers along state roadsides.

“The roadside beautification people work hard to make the Nebraska highways colorful and interesting to drive on,” said Harlan Hamernik, co-owner of Bluebird Nursery in Clarkson.

State agronomist Dick Gray said Nebraska officials began working with the University of Nebraska in the mid-1960s to research how wildflowers could be used along the state’s highways.

By 1974, the state began to incorporate wildflowers in grass-seed mixes.

Gray, who was instrumental in getting the project started, said most of the wildflowers were native.

“The benefits are aesthetic, and they do have good root systems for holding soil,” Gray said.

Besides erosion control, the flowers also provide interest for travelers, he said.

Hamernik said many wildflowers were found throughout the state. The flowers bloom at different times of the year, he said. That way, when one flower has completed its cycle, another is just blooming.

“People want to see those flowers,” he said. “They get pleasure from having continuous color on the roadsides.”

In fact, people like the color so much, many call to complain when the flowers are mowed, said Rod Weber, maintenance superintendent of the Nebraska Department of Roads in Norfolk.

“We’ve been receiving phone calls from people for years telling us how beautiful the flowers are,” he said.

Wildflowers are not only for roadsides, Hamernik said. People can plant them in their yards or along their driveways.

Although it is probably too late to put out seeds, flowers could still be started in pots.

Hamernik said one of the best features about native Nebraska wildflowers was that they were able to withstand hot, dry summers.

“They’ve been living here in Nebraska for eons, for millions of years,” he said.