Marlow, OK — The Marlow Patio Garden Club, with the support of a grant from Color Oklahoma with Wildflowers, has expanded its long-standing wildflower planting efforts along U.S. Highway 81. Last Wednesday, 42 pounds of native wildflower seed were planted along the east and west sides of US-81 just north of Marlow.
The Marlow Patio Garden Club is recognized across Oklahoma for the vibrant wildflower displays that bloom each spring south of Marlow, contributing to community beautification and pollinator habitat.
Planting was completed by the Stephens County team from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Field Division 7, with assistance from Jefferson County ODOT team member Blake Latta. Latta has supported wildflower plantings throughout the division, including projects in Waurika, Walters, Duncan, Marlow, and Rush Springs.
This wildflower planting advances the Garden Club’s vision of increasing green space, beautifying Marlow, and providing food sources for pollinators.
Seeds planted were all native Oklahoma species, including Gaillardia pulchella, Lance-leaf coreopsis, and Showy primrose. Gaillardia—also known as Firewheel or Indian Blanket—is Oklahoma’s state wildflower and is known for its vivid red petals with bright yellow centers. Lance-leaf Coreopsis produces cheerful yellow blooms from mid- to late April through June. Showy Primrose, a biennial, is expected to produce pink blooms during the 2027 growing season.
“The combination of Gaillardia, Coreopsis, and Showy Primrose is Color Oklahoma’s go-to selection for first-year plantings because they are hardy bloomers that perform well on highway rights-of-way and thrive in poor soil with limited moisture,” said Monica Bartling, chairman of Color Oklahoma. “Wildflowers are always dependent on weather conditions. With a cold winter, spring rains, and warm weather, we should see maximum coverage. Allowing flowers to reseed in late June and early July helps ensure blooms for years to come.”
“Working with ODOT’s Field Division 7 is always a pleasure for the Color Oklahoma team,” Bartling continued. “From top leadership to county superintendents and field crews, ODOT employees work diligently to make our highways both safe and beautiful. When travelers notice medians and rights-of-way appearing less manicured in late June and early July, we hope they understand that these areas are intentionally left unmowed so wildflowers can go to seed. Mowing resumes after mid-July.”
The wildflower planting is one of many beautification and conservation projects led by the Marlow Patio Garden Club.
Color Oklahoma, a project of the Oklahoma Native Plant Society, provided approximately $25,000 in matching funds for 12 wildflower planting sites across the state. Funding is primarily generated through the sale of Wildflower Specialty License Plates, available through Service Oklahoma or local tag offices. The specialty plate code is OCN.
More information about Color Oklahoma is available at www.ColorOklahoma.com.
coloroklahoma.com 