WALTERS, OK — A project to beautify the City of Walters and expand food sources for pollinators took a significant step forward today with the planting of 42 pounds of wildflower seed along U.S.-5 west of the Walters Cemetery.

The seeds were planted by the Cotton County team at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and funded through a matching grant from Color Oklahoma with Wildflowers, with the local match provided by the Walters Dahlia Garden Club. The City of Walters, under the leadership of City Manager Matt LeFee, is also a key partner in the project.

The wildflower planting enhances the City of Walters’ vision to increase green space through initiatives such as the Arbor Day Tree Planting program.

Seeds were planted on the north side of U.S.-5 between NS2600 and NS2610 and include Gaillardia pulchella, Lance-leaf Coreopsis, and Showy Primrose. Gaillardia—also known as Firewheel or Indian Blanket—is the state flower of Oklahoma and is recognized for its vivid red petals with yellow centers. Lance-leaf Coreopsis produces bright yellow blooms and will flower 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.”

The wildflower planting is one of many projects led by the Walters Dahlia Garden Club to beautify the landscape and support pollinators. The club also provides educational programs and recently completed its annual Christmas Home Tour.

Color Oklahoma, a project of the Oklahoma Native Plant Society, provided approximately $25,000 in matching funding for 12 wildflower planting sites across Oklahoma. 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.

Blake Latta, ODOT Jefferson County, planted 42 lbs. of native Oklahoma wildflower seeds along US-5 West of the Walters Cemetery. 
From left, Walters Garden Club members, Lucinda Simmons, Dean Hooker, and Sue Hayes. City of Walters Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Allen Day and Walters City Manager, Matt LeFee. Dahlia Garden Club members Patricia Watkins and Wendy Zimmerman.