If it feels like Austin is bursting with flowers, you're not imagining it.

The big picture: Our recent rains could keep landscapes greener and more colorful longer this summer, per the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

What they're saying: Amy Medley, lead horticulturist at the Wildflower Center, tells Axios the region is currently experiencing a superbloom of wildflowers along roadsides and in sunny meadows because of the late spring rains.

• "Our dry fall and winter might have affected early spring bloomers, such as the bluebonnets, but this left more space for the later wildflowers to flourish, aided by the steady rains."

What to look for: Medley says one unusual effect of the wet weather is the current flowering of some wildflowers that typically bloom in the fall. Among them:

• Plateau goldeneyes
• Texas blazing star
• Shrubby boneset
• Maximilian sunflower

Zoom in: Plus, it's hard to miss blooming Texas sage, which Medley calls a "barometer bush" because it shows its colors around rain.

• "They are completely carpeted in purplish pink blossoms around Austin right now."
• Though some plants are blooming early, they are still expected to flower again during their typical fall season, Medley says.

What's next: If rain continues — and more is in the forecast — "the sheer number and the impact of the blooms will continue to be elevated," Medley says.

• "Typically, we begin to see an overall shift in color from the verdant color of spring into the tans and browns of summer. If this rain continues, our summer may be lusher and greener."

The bottom line: There are more blooms to come, Medley says.

• "It's a common misconception that wildflowers only bloom in the spring," she says.
• "We are fortunate in Central Texas to have blooms throughout the year, January through December, though some moments may be a bit quieter."

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Austin's 110-year-old Paramount Theatre will close today for an 11-month restoration.

Why it matters: It's the most extensive restoration to the theater in over 50 years.

Driving the news: Theater officials are hosting a "last call" open house and happy hour today, 4-8pm.

• The free event allows visitors to see the work that's already begun on the theater and check out the original fire curtain from 1915, which served as a safety barrier between the audience and flames that might break out during a vaudeville performance.

How it works: A team has already been restoring areas of the theater and lobby using a by-hand preservation technique, according to officials.

• "Our goal is to preserve as much of the theatre's character as possible while bringing these details back to their original beauty," a representative for the Paramount tells Axios via email.

Between the lines: The Paramount is teaming up with venues like Hyperreal Film Club, which recently hosted "Bleak Week" to bring "gloriously devastating cinema" to Austin screens.

• Other venues, including Hogg Memorial Auditorium, AISD Performing Arts Center and the Bullock Museum IMAX Theatre, will host Paramount events while the theater is closed.
• Shows will also continue at the State Theatre next to the Paramount.

Follow the money: Officials say they're nearly halfway to their goal of raising $66 million for the project.

Travis County issued a disaster declaration to help officials respond to screwworm cases in Texas, though none has been identified in the Austin area. (KUT)

💧 State environmental regulators will hold a public hearing today on proposed rules for using treated fracking wastewater on farmland. (Texas Tribune)

💼 An Austin Public Health financial analyst worked full time for the city while working full time for the state, per a city audit. (Austin American-Statesman)

🍕 Pinthouse is planning a Cedar Park expansion. (Austin Business Journal 🔒)

Here's what's on deck for your workweek.

Monday

🎂 Celebrate 100 years of the Austin Public Library, where kids can create dessert-inspired crafts at Pleasant Hill Branch. Free, 2-3pm.

Tuesday

📚 Listen to a conversation with author Lauren Hough on her new book "Monster of a Land" at First Light. 6pm, free RSVP.

🧘‍♀️ Sweat at YTX Austin's yoga and cold plunge series at Republic Square. 6:30-9pm, free.

Wednesday

🎨 Paint with Arts & Crafts ATX at Meanwhile Brewing. Supplies available for purchase, 6pm.

Thursday

🎶 Enjoy music from KindKeith and Felt Out at the Long Center's Drop-In concert series at the H-E-B stage. Free with an RSVP, 8pm.

🎤 Catch music from Summer Walker on her "Still Finally Over It" tour at Moody Center. 7:30pm, $58.

It's time to reach into the reader mailbag.

🚴 After we reported on Austin's proposed e-moto regulations, reader Laura M. put in a good word for e-bikes. Her reasons:

• No traffic
• Great parking everywhere
• Enjoy nature's canopy on quiet shady streets
• Stay cooler and get around faster
• Fuel budget = grocery budget

📰 Nicole's story about how her husband bought her a newsstand inspired Carl L. to send us a photo of his New York Times dispenser — he worked at the paper for 20 years.

• "We found this box abandoned at a curb in Bethesda, Md.," he writes. "It's had a place of pride in our home across six moves to six states."

Robert S. writes, "Saving the newspapers is a sweet gesture" but for the sake of preservation "they'll need to be stored differently."

• He adds: "And congratulations on finding such a sweet and attentive partner."

🤕 Finally, after Asher noted that his mother suggested he get his son a unicycle for his coming birthday, Marianne R. wrote: "Ask your mom if the unicycle comes with free trips to the ER managed by Bubbe!"