Bushnell Public Library Native Plant Garden

Bushnell Public Library in Sumter County a native wildflower demonstration garden was created using existing exterior flower beds, transforming an underutilized but highly visible space into an inviting educational feature. This garden was installed and is 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 enhances the library grounds while reinforcing its role as a valued community hub for education, connection and engagement.

A brick wall with a No skateboarding or bicycling sign and a Seeds of Knowledge garden sign behind a stone-edged flower bed with various plants.
The Bushnell Public Library

DID YOU KNOW? Florida native plants are adapted to thrive in our climate, conditions and soil. They need less water than other plants, and require no fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals. This saves precious water resources and keeps excess nutrients from polluting lakes, rivers and streams.

The garden was made possible by a grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation.

The following native species were planted:

Lanceleaf tickseed

Lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata ) has conspicuously sunny flowers that typically bloom in spring. It attracts butterflies and other pollinators, and its seeds are eaten by birds and small wildlife.
Read more… Lanceleaf tickseed

Swamp twinflower

Swamp twinflower (Dyschoriste humistrata) is a low-growing wildflower that occurs naturally along the edges of forested wetlands. A great groundcover option for a moist to wet shady area, it attracts…
Read more… Swamp twinflower

Muhlygrass

Nothing says fall in Florida like the purple haze of Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) in bloom. When planted en masse, this perennial bunchgrass puts on a spectacular fall display.
Read more… Muhlygrass

Tropical sage

Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea) is a versatile perennial wildflower that no pollinator can resist, but it is particularly attractive to bees, large butterflies and hummingbirds.
Read more… Tropical sage

Blue porterweed

Blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is an excellent addition to a butterfly garden. It is a host plant for the Tropical buckeye and a nectar source for many other butterfly species.
Read more… Blue porterweed

POLLINATORS NEED YOUR HELP!

Help Florida’s wildlife and environment by using native wildflowers and plants in your landscape. Click here to learn more information on planting, selecting and maintaining native plants, or check out these resources: