The New Port Richey Public Library was one of three libraries throughout the state of Florida to be chosen as recipients of the Seeds of Knowledge Grant.
Made possible by the Florida Wildflower Foundation and funds raised through the sale of the state wildflower license plate, this demonstration grant serves as the pilot phase for the Seeds of Knowledge program, whose awardees are intended to "lead the way to creating vibrant, educational wildflower demonstration gardens that will inspire the community and support local pollinators."
The goals of this program are to:
-establish a native demonstration wildflower planting at a public library
-provide relevant educational programming
-increase awareness and knowledge of native wildflowers, grasses, and flowering shrubs by demonstrating the benefits and beauty of Florida native plants in cultivated landscapes.
-establishing and maintain an on-site seed library with Florida native ecotype seeds for the public to use.
Upon learning about this grant opportunity, library staff met with staff from the Public Works Department to review the feasibility of introducing wildflower beds into the existing landscape plan. Volunteers from the library and Tasty Tuesdays Market were identified and potential community partners such as the Environmental Committee, Grand Gardens, UF/IFAS County Extension Services, and the Master Gardeners Group, were designated as potential educational partners. Additionally, staff elicited the expert assistance of a professional Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FLANN) gardener to create detailed schematics of the proposed landscape design.
If approved, the preparation of the wildflower beds would begin at the end of this month with the planting planned for the beginning of April with volunteers tending to the wildflower beds throughout the year whilst gardening related programming at the library is offered by community partners.