An idea decades ago for state road crews to plant wildflowers along N.C. highways has evolved into an uplifting annual competition that also benefits the state’s $111 billion agriculture industry by creating pollinator habitats.
Beautifying the state’s roadways with brilliant floral displays began 40 years ago in a partnership between the N.C. Department of Transportation and the Garden Club of North Carolina.
Each of the state’s 14 highway division roadside environmental teams install and maintain wildflower beds. Throughout the year, the teams take photos of the wildflowers and submit their top entries in regional and statewide competitions with images of their wildflowers in full bloom. Then Garden Club judges meet annually to select the award-winning divisions, explained Bridgette Barthe, spokesperson in NCDOT’s Aviation, Global TransPark and Roadside Environmental Unit Division.
“When it comes time to evaluate submissions, judges consider a variety of metrics including color, variety, density and the tidiness of the beds, such as neatly mowed edges. Each submission must include photos that show both close-up details and the view from the road. Some entries combine several beds in a single location, such as multiple beds at an interchange,” Barthe said.
Roadway Flowers Create Pollinator Habitats Vital to State Economy
Beyond beautification, the wildflower beds support the environment by providing habitat, forage and nesting sites for pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths.
Creating pollinator habitats are an extension of NCDOT’s Wildflower Program and viewed as vital to support the state’s booming agriculture industry.
North Carolina’s agriculture and agribusinesses created an $111.1 billion economic impact to the state in 2023, according to the latest available figures. When state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler revealed these statistics in a May 2024 announcement, he noted the figures represented a $10-billion annual increase from 2023.
“It’s exciting to see numbers like these because it shows the strength and resiliency of agriculture and agribusiness in this state,” he said. “It is an important industry because it feeds us. We don’t ever want to have to rely on another country to feed us. We want to be self-reliant when it comes to our food supply and that’s why it is important that we support our farmers.”
While many state residents know of the wildflower program due to the scenic beauty, they may not realize that NCDOT’s wildflowers also support the state agriculture industry with its pollinators. Road crews also ensure they plant pollinator-friendly hybrid sunflowers and canola among the other flowers they grow along roadsides.
“Some scientists estimate that 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and other insects,” says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Pollinators like honeybees, butterflies, birds, bats and other animals are hard at work providing vital but often unnoticed services. They pollinate crops like apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, melon, peaches, potatoes, vanilla, almonds, coffee and chocolate.”
The USDA says “pollinators are in trouble” due to lost habitat, environmental, parasites and disease—and unable to survive without the “the right quantity or quality” of nectar and pollen from flowering plants.
Popularity of Roadside NCDOT Wildflowers
The Wildflower Program is funded with proceeds from North Carolina’s personalized license plate revenue and private contributions, including donations from the state Garden Club.
“Timing is everything. Spring-blooming flowers are planted in the fall, while summer-blooming species are planted in the spring and early summer. Each NCDOT Division adapts to local climate and soil conditions to ensure continuous blooms from spring through late fall,” Barthe said. “The goal is to enhance roadside aesthetics while maximizing environmental benefits. Most beds are located along primary routes for high visibility.”
In the past, NCDOT cultivated its own wildflower seeds for planting. However the popularity of the program has resulted in businesses both in North Carolina and elsewhere growing seeds commercially.
“The program has fostered friendly competition across NCDOT’s 14 highway divisions. Crews take great pride in their work and often swap tips and techniques, even as they compete for the top honors. Award plaques are proudly displayed in Division offices, serving as both a motivator and a conversation piece for visiting staff,” Barthe added.
2024 Award Winners
NCDOT’s 2024 Wildflower Awards for flowerbed blooming that year were presented in early April in five categories with 1st and 2nd Place winners.
“Behind every vibrant wildflower bed is a team of skilled and hardworking individuals,” Jeremy Goodwin, NCDOT’s roadside environmental engineer, stated in a press announcement about the winning flowers. “Their dedication transforms our roadsides into living landscapes that add a splash of color to our highways, support pollinators and make travel a little more enjoyable for everyone who drives our roads.”
Best Overall Division Wildflower Program:
1st Place—Division 7 (Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Orange and Rockingham counties)
2nd Place—Division 12 (Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Gatson, Lincoln and Iredell counties)
Eastern Region:
1st Place—Division 9 for the Interstate 40/U.S. Route 421 split in Forsyth County
2nd Place—Division 2 on I-587 at Mozingo Road in Pitt County
Central Region:
1st Place—Division 7 on N.C. 29 at Business 29 in Rockingham County
2nd Place—Division 9, U.S. 52 at Perch Road in Stokes County
Western Region:
1st Place—Division 11 along I-77 at the weigh station in Surry County
2nd Place—Division 9 next to U.S. 52 at Perch Road in Stokes County
“In addition to wildflowers, NCDOT also maintains and plants daylily beds statewide, adding another splash of color and opportunity for recognition through the Garden Club’s judging,” Barthe noted.
These daylily flowers are also entered into the yearly competition for the “William D. Johnson Daylily Award.” Winning 1st Place was Division 9 on the I-40/U.S. 421 split in Forsyth County. The 2nd Place prize went to Division 12 for its flowerbed at the I-85 Welcome Center in Cleveland County.
“This program is highly competitive among NCDOT staff. Many teams draw inspiration from previous winners, local landscapes or even community feedback. Challenges range from unpredictable weather to soil quality, but staff often cite the satisfaction of seeing their work brighten a driver’s day—or win an award—as well worth the effort,” Barthe said.
Texas Wildflower Program Inspired North Carolina
NCDOT’s annual wildflower campaign began in 1985 during the term of Gov. Governor James G. Martin after First Lady Dottie Martin became inspired by how Texas was planting wildflowers.
Texas has over 5,000 wildflower species. Its state flower is the Bluebonnet. The Texas Department of Transportation helps wildflowers flourish along its road through planned mowing of the state’s for 800,000 acres of right of way.
“TxDOT’s Wildflower Program not only helps our highways look good but also reduces the cost of maintenance and labor by encouraging the growth of native species that need less mowing and care,” says TxDOT’s Wildflower Program web page.
North Carolina takes a different approach to its program.
“While other states, including Texas, also have impressive wildflower programs, North Carolina’s approach stands out for its hands-on cultivation and emphasis on design. Rather than broadcasting seeds over large areas, NCDOT staff carefully plan, plant and maintain each bed to highlight seasonal beauty and support pollinators,” Barthe said.
Both programs in North Carolina and Texas are innovative ways states can improve roadways for travelers, help the environment and sustain agricultural economies.
