"Flowers For All"   The City of Deerfield Beach staff and a group of volunteers implemented their 2006 Wildflower Grant planting project, "Flowers for All" at two locations: The Northeast Focal Point Senior Center The City's new Public Works Department campus.

At the Northeast Focal Point, wildflowers were installed to beautify the entrances, patio areas, and to relocate the previously installed butterfly garden, which is being lost, to an expansion project. The wildflowers are attractive to birds and butterflies and give children and seniors an opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of nature.

At the Public Works campus, wildflowers were installed at the entrance to the recycling circle, a high visibility area frequently used by the City's residents, and along a walking path surrounding the storm water retention area. Descriptions of the plant species used at the Public Works facility have been included in a 'walking tour' brochure.

As a result of this grant, not only have public facilities have been beautified with native wildflowers, but also the wildlife habitat has been enhanced, and educational opportunities have been created for residents of all ages. These gardens demonstrate the uses and benefits of native wildflowers and will encourage their use by residents in their own home landscapes.

Our recommendation for anyone who desires to replicate our project is simple: include as many children, elders, and volunteers as possible. Everyone who participated learned and enjoyed!

Conoclinium coelestinum (common name: Blue Mistflower) is a favorite nectar source for the Monarch butterflies along the walking path at the Public Works campus.

Gaillardia and Sophora tomentosa (common name: Necklace Pod) greet visitors to the NE Focal Point. Necklace pod is native to coastal areas of South Florida and the Caribbean, so has good salt tolerance, and does best in sunny, well-drained locations. The stunning yellow flower is just the kind that hummingbirds and other pollinators really go for. Soft, velvety foliage with hues of silver. Height varies from 5 to 10 feet or taller. Takes trimming well. Don't hedge it! Trim it naturally, and let it develop a canopy

Drought-tolerant Gaillardia pulchella (common names: Firewheel, Indian blanket, Blanketflower, or Sundance) provides non-stop color, even under difficult growing conditions.

Salvia coccinea (common name: Tropical Sage) is an integral part of the butterfly garden at the NE Focal Point.