Seedlings for Schools

Seedlings for Schools is sponsored by Florida Wildflower Foundation. This program provides wildflowers and classroom resources for Florida schools. Grants include 30 native wildflower seedlings, classroom resources, and professional guidance on garden establishment.

Grants are awarded in late May and plants are shipped at the beginning of the school year.

Seedlings for Schools - Florida Wildflower Foundation 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 are open March 1 – April 30, 2026.

For questions related to this program contact Program and Administrative Coordinator Rose Kinane . Seedlings for Schools planting at Sea Park Elementary Read our 2024–25 Seedlings for Schools Annual Report. 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. 2023 Seedlings for Schools planting at Little Flower Montessori school garden 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.

2022 Seedlings for Schools planting at Round Lake Charter School 2022 Seedlings for Schools planting at Bailey Elementary 2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Sea Park Elementary 2021 Seedlings for Schools planting at Arbor Ridge K-8 School 2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Burns Science & Technology Charter School 2021 Seedlings for School planting at Boca Raton Elementary 2021 Seedlings for Schools planting at Fernandina Beach Middle School 2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Jacksonville Day School 2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Bellview Elementary School 2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Jose Marti School 2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at McMullen-Booth Elementary School 2018 Seedlings for Schools planting at Murdock Middle School Designed to help your wildflower gardens — and gardeners — grow Planning your school garden 20 Easy-to-Grow Wildflowers Establishing a small planting of native wildflowers by seed Guide for Choosing Native Wildflowers and Plants Wildflowers for Dry Landscapes Linking your garden to curriculum Wild About Wildflowers!

activity guide Wild About Wildflowers! is a free, standards-aligned activity guide that introduces students to Florida’s native wildflowers and their place in the state’s ecosystems. Nine units cover flower anatomy, life cycles, pollination, seed dispersal, adaptations, plant and animal interactions, the importance of wildflowers to people and the environment, wildflower identification and wildflower names.

Each unit includes hands-on activities, vocabulary, discussion questions and curated resources. Aligned to third- and fourth-grade Florida standards, the guide is adaptable for other grade levels and suitable for informal settings.