Seedlings for Schools

School Wildflower Garden Grant Program

Wildflowers and classroom resources for Florida schools are provided through this program. Grants include 30 native wildflower seedlings, classroom resources and professional guidance on garden establishment. Grants are awarded in late May; plants are shipped in the fall in time for the new school year. Teachers who are awarded grants are eligible to receive more wildflowers in the spring if fall gardens are successfully established and cared for. Public and private pre-K through grade 12 teachers may apply.

Applications for 2026 will open March 1, 2026.

For questions related to this program contact
Program and Administrative Coordinator Rose Kinane.

Wildflower garden at Sea Park Elementary
Seedlings for Schools planting at Sea Park Elementary

Read our 2024–25 Seedlings for Schools Annual Report.

Criteria

  • Schools must be located in Florida.
  • Gardens must be planted on public or private school property with the permission from the school administrator. Homeschools may apply only if the garden is located in a community space such as a co-op.
  • The school must have an outdoor garden site free of turf and weeds. The site must be properly prepared before installing seedlings.
  • Applicants must be full-time teachers or school employees.
  • Teachers must confirm that the native garden will be incorporated into their school curriculum.
  • Teachers must verify that the garden site provides adequate growing conditions and demonstrate a commitment to growing wildflowers.
  • Applicants must include three photos of the intended garden site.
  • Remove all weeds and grasses from the site before planting.
  • Do not plant any plants considered invasive in Florida. (See the FISC List of Invasive Plant Species.)
  • Do not add potting soil or fertilizer to the garden.
  • Do not use cypress mulch. Acceptable mulches include pine straw, compost or recycled tree trimmings; leaving the soil bare is also acceptable).
  • Protect the garden from foot traffic and unauthorized mowing.
  • Ensure the garden will be tended by students or volunteers to support plant survival.
  • Water the garden until established, and thereafter as needed.
  • Remove weeds regularly to maintain the integrity of the wildflower planting.
  • Develop a plan for summer maintenance to ensure the garden’s survival.
  • Participants must complete a survey in December and submit three photos of the garden. At least one photo should show the garden in peak bloom, and at least one should show students utilizing the garden.
  • Teachers who demonstrate commitment to the garden and complete the December survey may be eligible for additional seedlings in the spring.

Check out these examples of Seedlings for Schools gardens across Florida.
  • Little Flower Montessori SFS school garden
    2023 Seedlings for Schools planting at Little Flower Montessori school garden
  • Seedlings for Schools planting at Beachland Elementary. Photo provided by Aurora Stein
    2023 Seedlings for Schools planting at Beachland Elementary. Photo provided by Aurora Stein
  • 2023 Seedlings for Schools Magnolia School garden. Photo provided by Tatiana Dufour.
    2023 Seedlings for Schools Magnolia School garden. Photo provided by Tatiana Dufour.
  • 2022 Seedlings for Schools planting at Round Lake Charter School
    2022 Seedlings for Schools planting at Round Lake Charter School
  • 2022 Seedlings for Schools planting at Bailey Elementary
    2022 Seedlings for Schools planting at Bailey Elementary
  • Wildflower garden at Sea Park Elementary
    2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Sea Park Elementary
  • 2021 Seedlings for Schools planting at Arbor Ridge K-8 School
    2021 Seedlings for Schools planting at Arbor Ridge K-8 School
  • Wildflower planting at Burns Science & Technology Charter School
    2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Burns Science & Technology Charter School
  • 2021 Seedlings for School planting at Boca Raton Elementary
    2021 Seedlings for School planting at Boca Raton Elementary
  • 2021 Seedlings for Schools planting at Fernandina Beach Middle School
    2021 Seedlings for Schools planting at Fernandina Beach Middle School
  • Wildflower planting at Jacksonville Day School
    2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Jacksonville Day School
  • Wildflower planting at Bellview Elementary School
    2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Bellview Elementary School
  • Wildflower planting at Jose Marti School
    2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Jose Marti School
  • Wildflower planting at McMullen-Booth Elementary School
    2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at McMullen-Booth Elementary School
  • Wildflower planting at Murdock Middle School
    2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Murdock Middle School

    • Resources

    Designed to help your wildflower gardens — and gardeners — grow
    Starting your garden
    Using your garden
    MORE RESOURCES
    Wild About Wildflowers! activity guide

    Our comprehensive activity guide encourages students to learn about Florida’s native wildflowers and their purpose and place in Florida’s unique habitats. These fun, engaging activities will help students achieve a variety of Florida educational standards in math, science and language. When presented from start to finish, the guide gives students a comprehensive introduction to wildflowers, as well as to flowers in general. Activities are correlated to third- and fourth-grade standards but can be adapted to other grade levels. All activities are suitable for informal settings.