City of Longwood Unveils New Native Plant Garden to Promote Sustainability and Community Well-Being

The City of Longwood is proud to announce the grand opening of the Native Plant Garden surrounding the Longwood Community Development Building on Church Avenue & Wilma Street mid-October. Planting begins on October 17 with volunteers from Longwood’s Leisure Service and Community Development Staff, Dix.Hite+Partners, and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. The Native Plant Garden promises to be a thriving oasis of native flora that serves both ecological and community enrichment purposes and creates another point of interest in Longwood’s Historic District. It is a testament to the City of Longwood's commitment to sustainability, conservation and community well-being.
 
Florida’s biodiversity of native plants is unparalleled, each playing a critical role in supporting the region's ecosystem. By establishing this garden, the City of Longwood is actively contributing to the preservation of native plant species and creating essential habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Native plants require fewer pesticides and less water than non-native plants, making them an eco-friendly choice that will help reduce the city's carbon footprint.
 
Visitors to the Native Plant Garden will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of native plant species, their role in the local ecosystem, and how they can incorporate native plants into their own landscapes. This garden will be an educational resource for the community where residents and nature enthusiasts alike are encouraged to explore and appreciate the ecological and community benefits of this flourishing green space.
 
Beyond its ecological significance, the garden will provide a serene and visually appealing space for residents and visitors to enjoy. With carefully curated pathways and informational signage, the garden will become a peaceful retreat within the heart of Longwood, fostering a greater sense of community and pride.

The garden was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the City of Longwood, Dix.Hite+Partners and the Florida Wildflower Foundation, who contributed their time, expertise and resources to bring this vision to life. The project was funded in part with proceeds from the State Wildflower license plate.