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Join Us in Celebrating 25 years of Wildflowers!

This year marks a major milestone for the Florida Wildflower Foundation: 25 years of advocating for Florida’s native wildflowers. To honor that legacy — and to look boldly toward what comes next — we’re launching $25 for 25, a year-long celebration built around community, storytelling and impact.

Each month, we’ll share a new chapter of our story — from native seed and education to research, conservation, and the partnerships that make it all possible — along with simple ways you can be part of the next 25 years. Follow along, watch our progress grow, and join us in building what comes next.

Check it out here!

Announcing the 2025 Coreopsis Award Recipient

We are thrilled to announce Cameron “Cammie” Donaldson as the 2025 recipient of the T. Elizabeth Pate Coreopsis Award.

Despite her humble preference to stay behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, few people have had such an extraordinary impact on Florida’s native plant community of practice. Through her work with the Florida Native Plant Society, Florida Association of Native Nurseries and Native Plant Horticulture Foundation, Cammie has dedicated her career to forging connections and strengthening Florida’s native plant industry.

Read more here.

Garden Spotlight: Little Bay Park

Tucked away in the small town of Surfside, Little Bay Park is a peaceful and inviting space for the community. Despite being one of the newest Viva Florida gardens, it feels as though it has always been there, fitting in seamlessly with the neighborhood’s warm tropical vibes and providing a stunning example of how native plants can be incorporated into municipal and home landscapes.

Follow Surfside on Instagram or check out their events calendar for upcoming volunteer and celebration opportunities at the garden.

Read more here.

This garden was supported by our Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden Grant Program, which is currently accepting applications through March 15.

Photo: Coastal mock vervain (Glandularia maritima) 

Seedlings for Schools Grant Opens on March 1

Our Seedlings for Schools Grant opens for applications on March 1 to bring Florida’s native wildflowers to life in your classroom! This grant provides an assortment of native wildflower seedlings, engaging educational resources and expert guidance to help schools create thriving learning gardens — sparking curiosity, hands-on discovery and a deeper connection to Florida’s natural world.

Learn more here.

Photo courtesy of Rain Lily Montessori 

Pollinator Profile: Giant Swallowtail

From its wingspan to its range across the Americas — and even its appetite for oranges — everything about the Giant swallowtail is just that: giant! 

Learn about this mesmerizing butterfly here.

Spring "Weeds" Are For the Bees!

As we emerge from a recent wave of cold weather that impacted the entire state, we are looking forward to the first blooms of spring. In neighborhoods, however, many early blooms are treated as little more than lawn weeds — pulled, poisoned or mowed. Here, we’d like to introduce you to some of the common spring wildflowers that thrive in urban areas, providing a critical food source for pollinators, and encourage you to appreciate their beauty and leave them for the bees!

Read more.

Photo: Oakleaf fleabane (Erigeron quercifolius)

Florida Native Seed Partnership News

Our Florida Native Seed Partnership Coordinator recently attended the annual meeting of the Southeast Native Seed Network. This engagement strengthens Florida’s role in this growing regional effort. Connecting with seed producers, researchers and restoration professionals from across the Southeast supports our work to expand native seed production, improve collaboration, and increase seed availability in Florida. Being involved in this network ensures we are learning from others, sharing resources and strengthening Florida’s native seed efforts to better support restoration projects across the state.

Learn more about the Partnership.

Photo courtesy of the Jones Center at Ichauway

Lyonia Wildlife Festival

We’ll be at the Lyonia Wildlife Festival on Saturday, February 21, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona. Stop by our table at this family-friendly event to learn about Florida’s beautiful native wildflowers and how to incorporate them into your landscape to support pollinators and the environment.

Full event details here.

Check out our calendar for a full listing of upcoming events across the state!