On Friday, June 12 enthusiastic volunteers planted over 470 native wildflowers in three locations throughout Blue Spring State Park: the Thursby House demonstration garden, the Visitor Center landscape, and the park entrance.
This environmental community service project was spearheaded by the Village Improvement Association (VIA) Orange City Woman’s Club, who hopes that these wildflower demonstration gardens will inspire visitors to plant native wildflowers in their own gardens! Native plants typically require little to no fertilizer, helping homeowners create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens while reducing nutrient runoff into local waterways — and thus, protecting our precious manatees.
Native plant expert Damien Rockwood of Asclepias Acres supplied 30 species of beautiful Florida wildflowers, including Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Florida paintbrush (Carphephorus corymbosus), and Sandpaper vervain (Verbena scabra).
Funding for the Thursby House demonstration garden was generously provided by the Florida Wildflower Foundation through proceeds from sales of the State Wildflower License Plate.
Funding for the entrance planting was provided by the Friends of Blue Spring State Park, Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival, and the Rotary Club of DeBary–Deltona–Orange City.
Funding for the Visitor Center planting was provided by the Village Improvement Association Orange City Woman’s Club and Grow Learn Garden by Leah Brooks.
Site preparation and professional installation for all three planting areas were provided by Tom’s Touch Landscape
In addition to enhancing the park, the Thursby House demonstration garden will serve as an educational resource, inspiring visitors to incorporate Florida native plants into their own landscapes.
Keeping home gardens fertilizer-free helps protect water quality and supports the health of Florida’s beloved manatees, which depend on clean aquatic habitats.
This collaborative effort will enhance the beauty of Blue Spring State Park while providing valuable habitat and food sources for Florida’s native pollinators and wildlife for years to come.