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A New Year's Message from our Board Chair

Hello friends,

What an exciting year we have ahead for wildflowers and all who care about them! I'm thrilled to help guide the Florida Wildflower Foundation through 2026, especially with so many meaningful projects and connections taking shape.

From the continued growth of the Florida Native Seed Partnership and new native gardens taking root at libraries, to the expanding Wildflower Watchers network and the start of our 25th anniversary celebrations, there are many ways to connect with Florida's native plants, people and places this year. We hope you'll join us for our upcoming events and initiatives.

I invite you to explore our full "Look Ahead at 2026" to learn more about what's in store and how you can be a part of it. Thank you for being in this work with us — we're looking forward to a great year together!

Fatima Elkott, Board Chair

Grant Programs Accepting Applications Now!

Our planting grants provide the resources needed to give native wildflowers a visible, lasting presence in public places. These projects create hands-on experiences for both adults and children, beautify communities and parks, and deepen awareness of Florida’s natural landscapes.

We are currently accepting applications for the following grants:

• Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden Grant
• Seeds of Knowledge Library Demonstration Garden Grant



Garden Spotlight: Winter Park Library

One of the most rewarding aspects of our grant programs is the collaborations they inspire! As a cooperative effort between UF/IFAS Orange County, Master Gardeners, the City of Winter Park, and the Library, the Winter Park Library demonstration garden exemplifies this power of partnership. Funded by our Seeds of Knowledge grant, it has received an overwhelmingly positive response from visitors.

Learn more here.

Florida Native Seed Partnership News

Since the Partnership’s kickoff in November 2025, we’ve been actively responding to inquiries and connecting with potential partners. In the new year, we’ll finalize a strategic plan to grow Florida’s native seed market by linking growers with buyers and providing research and support. The second steering committee meeting was held on January 13, and future updates will highlight the passionate people driving this effort. Stay tuned!

Learn more about the Partnership.

Plant Profile: Florida Arbor Day is January 16!

While National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, Florida observes its own Arbor Day on the third Friday of January. This reflects Florida’s climate — many trees are dormant now, making them easier to transplant with less stress. In short, it's a great time to plant a native tree and support wildlife!

Florida is home to a wealth of beautiful native flowering trees and shrubs. Here are just a few worth considering:

Loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus)

This attractive evergreen tree occurs in wet habitats ranging from swamps to cypress domes and produces abundant creamy white flowers from spring through summer. In the landscape, it makes an excellent specimen or shade tree. It requires consistently moist soil and thrives best on wetland, pond or lake edges. 

Photo by Keith Bradley

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria)

The only native North American plant species that contains caffeine, Yaupon holly was traditionally brewed as a tea by indigenous peoples and later used by settlers as a coffee substitute. It’s also an attractive, easy-to-grow evergreen tree, suitable as a specimen plant or buffer/hedge in the landscape. Its bright red fall-to-winter berries create a festive display while feeding the birds.

Photo by Eleanor Dietrich

Snowberry (Chiococca alba)

An evergreen shrub with an interesting vinelike habit, Snowberry occurs in coastal habitats throughout peninsular Florida. Its lovely yellow flowers attract pollinators, and its abundant berries are a valuable food source for birds. It is also a larval host for the Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi) and Snowberry clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis). It’s best suited for naturalistic landscapes and also works well in a buffer planting.

Photo by Mary Keim

Flatwoods plum (Prunus umbellata)

Found in woodlands across North and Central Florida, Flatwoods plum is a large shrub to small tree that blooms profusely in spring with beautiful delicate white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Its summer fruits are enjoyed by wildlife — and can even be made into jam.

Photo by Grace Howell

Wildflower Watcher Trainings

Start the year with a virtual training and learn how to become a Wildflower Watcher. We’re actively recruiting volunteers in Leon, Citrus, Alachua and Suwannee counties for this long-term project focused on surveyed roadsides. Volunteers monitor designated wildflower roads three times a year and play an important role in protecting and promoting Florida’s living roadside ecosystems.

Training Sessions will be held on:

• January 20 at 1 pm
• January 21 at 6 pm
• February 16 at 3:30 pm

All sessions cover the same material, so you only need to attend one.

Join us and help support roadside wildflower conservation.

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