Fort Walton Beach Library Native Plant Garden

Fort Walton Beach Library in Okaloosa County revitalized 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 was restored and enhanced along the downtown-facing side of the library. As part of broader efforts to improve the library grounds, the garden serves as a flexible space for hands-on outdoor educational programs for all ages, helping connect the community with native plants while beautifying the site.

A small garden bed with a blue pot containing green plants, surrounded by bricks, and bordered by a sidewalk and building with large windows. — Fort Walton Beach Library Native Plant Garden

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.

Purple coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has striking blooms that attract a variety of butterflies, bees and even hummingbirds. Its seeds are eaten by birds and other wildlife.

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.

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) typically blooms in spring through fall. It is pollinated by a variety of insects, and its seeds are eaten by seed-eating birds.

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.

Stokes’ aster

Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis) typically blooms in spring and summer, but may bloom throughout the year, attracting a variety of bees, wasps and butterflies.

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:

About Us

Programs

Events

Plants and Pollinators

Resource Library

Lanceleaf tickseed

Purple coneflower

Muhlygrass

Black-eyed Susan

Tropical sage

Stokes’ aster

POLLINATORS NEED YOUR HELP!