Seeds of Knowledge Library Demonstration Garden grants awarded
Photo above from the Fort White Library, a previous grant awardee, by Emily Bell
The Florida Wildflower Foundation has awarded Seeds of Knowledge Library Demonstration Garden grants to nine public libraries across the state. This program supports Florida libraries in creating native wildflower gardens that serve as living classrooms, providing hands-on opportunities for learning about native plants..
This year’s awardees represent a diverse group of libraries across the state, each partnering with local organizations, volunteers and experts to create vibrant educational spaces that will engage their communities and promote environmental stewardship.
The 2026 grant recipients are:
Bushnell Public Library in Sumter County will create a small native wildflower demonstration garden in existing exterior flower beds, transforming an underutilized but highly visible space into an inviting educational feature. This garden will be installed and maintained in partnership with the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, helping connect the library’s rural community with accessible hands-on learning opportunities. The approximately 60-square-foot planting will enhance the library grounds while reinforcing its role as a valued community hub for education, connection and engagement.
Deltona Regional Library in Volusia County will expand its existing native landscaping and pollinator gardens with a new 400-square-foot planting in the highly visible center circle at the library entrance. This garden will build on strong partnerships with Lyonia Garden Keeper Volunteers, Lyonia Environmental Center staff, West Volusia Audubon members and the Florida Native Plant Society. Featuring native turf alternatives alongside meadow-style wildflowers, the garden will serve as a demonstration site for sustainable landscaping practices while enhancing the library’s entrance and engaging the community in the value of native plants.
Emily Taber Public Library in Baker County will establish a native wildflower garden in a highly visible area on the west side of the library, transforming an existing turf and shrub space into an educational landscape. The library will partner with the UF/IFAS Baker County Extension Office and Master Gardener volunteers. With a range of sun and shade conditions allowing for diverse plantings, the garden will showcase species suited to the region while promoting native landscaping through community outreach and educational opportunities.
Fort Walton Beach Library in Okaloosa County will revitalize a former butterfly garden into a native wildflower planting that supports pollinators and expands outdoor programming opportunities. In partnership with the Garnier Beach Garden Club, the approximately 97-square-foot garden will be restored and enhanced along the downtown-facing side of the library. As part of broader efforts to improve the library grounds, the garden will serve as a flexible space for hands-on outdoor educational programs for all ages, helping connect the community with native plants while beautifying the site.
R.J. Bailar Public Library in Jefferson County will be adding a native wildflower planting to support pollinators and enhance public engagement. Led by the library’s garden club, the “Garden Huggers,” which includes a master gardener and professional horticulturist, the project will also feature ongoing educational programs on garden care and pollinator conservation. The approximately 800-square-foot garden will be installed in a highly visible space along the front of the building, bringing much-needed native plant diversity to downtown Monticello where green space is limited. As the only public library in the county, the project offers a unique opportunity to support the library’s existing produce garden by attracting pollinators while introducing residents to the benefits of native wildflowers.
Orange Park Library in Clay County will establish a native plant garden in an approximately 115-square-foot brick raised bed. Building on an existing seed catalog program for patrons, the project will enhance opportunities for community engagement and education around native plants. In partnership with the Garden Club of Orange Park, the installation will create a dedicated space to support pollinators while connecting visitors with hands-on learning experiences.
Parker Public Library in Bay County will establish a native plant garden in partnership with the 850 Garden Club, creating a vibrant and educational space to reconnect the library with the community. Spanning approximately 456 square feet across two highly visible sites at the library entrance, the project will transform underutilized areas into a welcoming landscape that supports pollinators and serves as a hub for gardening programs and activities. By integrating native plants into this central community space, the library aims to inspire residents and expand access to outdoor hands-on learning opportunities.
Spring Hill Branch Library in Hernando County will transform an underutilized outdoor space into a 400-square-foot native plant demonstration garden designed to support pollinators, birds and local ecosystems while serving as an outdoor learning space. This garden will be in partnership with the Hernando Audubon Society and Florida Master Gardeners. Incorporating existing features such as pathways and seating, the garden will host educational programming, including environmental literacy activities and seed-sharing opportunities, expanding the library’s role as a hub for conservation, education and community engagement.
Tarpon Springs Public Library in Pinellas County will establish a Florida native plant garden in a prominent, highly visible location surrounding the iconic Tarpon Fountain at the library entrance. In partnership with the Garden Club of Tarpon Springs and The Gro Group, a hands-on learning program for adults with special needs, the project will support installation, maintenance and ongoing educational programming, including workshops and classes in collaboration with UF/IFAS. Spanning approximately 670 square feet across both sides of the fountain, the garden will serve as an inviting and educational space that highlights native plants, supports pollinators and engages a diverse community of library visitors.
Through the Seeds of Knowledge program, the Florida Wildflower Foundation continues to support libraries as vital community spaces for environmental education and engagement. These demonstration gardens not only enhance library landscapes; they also inspire residents to incorporate native plants into their own spaces, helping to create healthier habitats for pollinators and people alike.
Learn more about the Seeds of Knowledge Library Demonstration Garden Grant here.