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As we celebrate 25 years of the State Wildflower license plate supporting wildflowers and wildlife across Florida, we reflect on the legacy of those who made it possible. Gary Henry was a visionary who grew the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Wildflower Program into a nationally recognized success.

In challenging the status quo of roadside landscaping, he was a driving force in painting our roadsides with the vibrant colors of wildflowers and working with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish a native Florida wildflower seed industry. As these projects grew, Gary had the foresight to recognize the need for a dedicated funding source and the ingenuity to bring it to fruition. He brought the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs to the table and ensured support from within FDOT to develop the State Wildflower License Plate.

Once it was on the road, Gary was integral in the founding of the Florida Wildflower Foundation to oversee the funds and vision. From 2004 to 2008, he served as the Foundation’s first Executive Director. All who worked with Gary on his mission to protect and promote Florida’s native wildflowers — and educate others on their value to both the environment and our well-being — speak highly of his passion, leadership and kindness. Read more about Gary’s legacy here.

Click here to learn how incredible leadership and partnerships drove this conservation initiative to success!

Library Gardens Bloom Across Florida

The Florida Wildflower Foundation’s newest grant program, Seeds of Knowledge Library Demonstration Garden Grant, is off to a resounding start. What began as a plan to support three library gardens during this pilot phase grew into six, thanks to the enthusiasm of our partners and communities.

Over the spring and summer, these gardens came alive — creating welcoming spaces where people can connect with Florida’s native wildflowers. More than 600 wildflower seed packets were shared with library visitors, and hundreds of patrons stopped by to explore, learn and enjoy the blooms.

As Robin Shader of Bay County Library shared, “Our demonstration garden provides educational opportunities every day! Signage identifies the plants, and passersby can learn about the plants and see how they change throughout the year.”

Bay County Library is also hosting a celebration event, Let’s Go Native: Exploring Native Plants, on Saturday, September 27.

The success of this pilot shows the power of gardens to bring people together and spark curiosity about the natural world. We’re excited to keep the momentum going — applications for the first full round of Seeds of Knowledge Library Garden Grants will open in February 2026.

Do you think your library would be interested in applying? Join us on November 19 for an informational webinar to learn how the program works, how to apply, and get your questions answered.

Photo: Garden at Columbia County Library, Fort White Branch

Wildflower Seedlings Take Root in Florida Schools!

Native wildflower seedlings were delivered to 62 schools in Florida this August and September through our Seedlings for Schools grant program. Each school received 30 seedlings, representing a variety of species, including Blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis), Partridgepea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), Scorpionstail (Heliotropium angiospermum), Leavenworth’s tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii), Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea), Lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata), Snow squarestem (Melanthera nivea), Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) and Forked bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum).

Pre-K teacher Terri Boucher from Creative Beginnings Preschool in Ocala has already planted her wildflower garden. She shared: “We are all excited to see them progress. Thank you for allowing us to be part of mother nature's wonders.”

Photo: Newly planted wildflower garden courtesy of Creative Beginnings Preschool

Wildflower Feature: Meet the Balduinas

Only three species of Balduinia, commonly known as Honeycombheads, exist — and all are endemic to the southeastern United States, including Florida. The common name comes from the seedhead – once the ray petals drop off and the disk florets dry, they leave behind a rounded structure with a pattern resembling a honeycomb. 

Coastalplain honeycombhead

(Balduina angustifolia)

The most widespread species in Florida, found throughout the state. Outside Florida, it only occurs in two Mississippi counties, one in Alabama, and throughout eastern Georgia. 

Photo by Mary Keim

Oneflower honeycombhead

(Balduina uniflora)

Ranges from Louisiana’s eastern coastal tip through Mississippi and Alabama’s coast, into northern Florida, and up into the eastern portions of Georgia and the Carolinas.

Purpledisk honeycombhead

(Balduina atropurpurea)

The rarest of the three. Its maroon disk flowers distinguish it from the other species. It ranges from the Carolinas to Alabama but is presumed extirpated from Alabama, has not been recently documented in the Carolinas, has ~45 known populations in Georgia, and only ~7 in North Florida.

Donations from supporters like you help us grow. Your gift ensures the Foundation keeps Florida blooming for years to come.

Florida Climate Week, hosted by the VoLo Foundation, takes place October 6–12 and fosters engagement, education and collective action around the climate and resilience challenges facing our state.

Join us on Saturday, October 11, at the North Regional/Broward College Library in Coconut Creek for “A South Florida Conundrum — Blooms, Bugs and Climate Change,” presented by FWF Board Member Ramona Johnston. This program explores how climate change is affecting South Florida's native wildflowers and insects. Click here for full details.

We’re excited to participate in Backyard Biodiversity Day on Saturday, October 18, at Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park! Hosted by the Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, this event celebrates Florida’s incredible native plants and wildlife, while supporting vital habitat restoration in the Garden’s sandhill, xeric hammock and scrubby flatwoods ecosystems.

Stop by our table to learn how to bring Florida’s native wildflowers into your home landscapes to support pollinators! We’ll also have native wildflower seeds and Native Plants for Florida Gardens available for purchase.

The Fall Horticultural Expo and Plant Market will be held in Newberry on Saturday, October 18. This free, family friendly event features educational programs, vendors and activities for kids. This year’s theme — “Where the Wild Things Grow” — puts Florida’s native flora and fauna front and center!

Visit us in the Wildflower Central area to learn about Florida’s wonderful wildflowers and our work with Bee City Gainesville. Our partners at the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative will also be selling native wildflower seeds.

This event is hosted by the Gainesville Garden Club and Alachua County UF IFAS Extension Master Gardeners.

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