Spring Hill Branch Public Library Native Plant Garden

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 is 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.

A small round picnic table with benches sits on a grassy area with stepping stones, surrounded by trees and bordered by a brick wall on the right.
Spring Hill Branch 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:

Butterflyweed

Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a perennial that produces large, showy clusters of bright orange to reddish flowers from spring through fall. It occurs naturally in sandhills, pine flatwoods, and…
Read more… Butterflyweed

Wiregrass

Wiregrass (Aristida stricta) is a perennial bunchgrass found in scrub, pinelands and coastal uplands throughout much of Florida. It is is a primary food source for gopher tortoises.
Read more… Wiregrass

Firebush

Firebush (Hamelia patens var. patens) is a hardy shrub to small tree. It produces clusters of bright orange to red tubular flowers that are filled with nectar, attracting butterflies and…
Read more… Firebush

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

Shiny blueberry

Shiny blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites) is a low evergreen shrub that flowers heavily in the spring. It occurs naturally in mesic pine flatwoods, sandhills, scrubby flatwoods, dry prairies and scrub habitats…
Read more… Shiny blueberry

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: