Tarpon Springs Public Library Native Plant Garden

Tarpon Springs Public Library in Pinellas County has established 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 serves as an inviting and educational space that highlights native plants, supports pollinators and engages a diverse community of library visitors.

Single-story building with a metal roof, cars parked in front, and a circular fountain with fish sculptures at the entrance, surrounded by trees and landscaping.
Tarpon Springs Public Library native 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.
Read more… Lanceleaf tickseed

Sunshine mimosa

Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) has showy “powderpuff” flowers that bloom spring through summer, attracting mostly bees. The plant is a larval host for the Little sulphur butterfly.
Read more… Sunshine mimosa

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

Wild coffee

Wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa) flowers typically bloom in spring and summer, but may bloom year-round. They are attractive to a variety of pollinators, especially Atala and Schaus’ swallowtail butterflies.
Read more… Wild coffee

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: