Planting flowers, specifically Florida natives, host plants (for larvae), and nectar plants (for bees and butterflies), can provide an exciting outdoor classroom for your students!Florida is home to 180 native butterfly species and over 300 native bee species. Your young scientist can explore Florida's rich ecosystem by planting for bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
Planting for the bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife is educational!
A pollinator/butterfly garden offers endless learning opportunities!
In winter, students can observe how seeds are formed, collect dried seeds, and observe seed-eating wildlife, like birds.
In spring, students can search for new sprouts among the fallen seeds, observe the growth rates of different plants, how plants reproduce themselves, and the magic of flower formation.
In summer and fall, students can observe & identify different native bee species, search for caterpillars and chrysalises, and observe the life cycle of many insects!
THE BIG QUESTION!
If butterfly (pollinator) gardening is so educational, why do Step Up processors sometimes deny flowers? This happens when processors and parents disagree on whether a plant is ornamental or part of a pollinator or butterfly garden.
Step Up for Students does not allow:
• Live animals
• Gas or electric-powered gardening tools
• Ornamental plants (shrubs, landscaping, houseplants). Please note: this does not include seeds, seedlings, or fruit/vegetable/herb plants which are eligible expenses
• Commercial-grade tools/equipment
• Blades or knives or items with blades or knives (except scissors, math tools, or some cooking equipment)
However, choosing Florida natives, host plants (for larvae), and nectar plants (for bees and butterflies) greatly improves your chances of reimbursement!
TIP: Always be prepared to cover the costs of the plants you purchased just in case they are denied. Flower seeds are pre-approved, but flowering plants are not always approved.
CHOOSE NATIVES!
Choose Florida native wildflowers for your child's garden!
Benefits of planting Florida native flowers:
Attract pollinators
Adds to the beauty of the garden
Improve soil health
Prevent erosion
Simple: no fertilizers or soil amendments needed!
Improve water quality
Reduces water use (no irrigation needed once established)
Provide food and shelter to native animals
Contribute to biodiversity
Increases food production in the vegetable garden
Provides your child natural opportunities to make 'curriculum connections'.
Create a plan for your native garden! Read: How to Start and Maintain a Pollinator Garden
Choose the right natives for your zip code and site conditions.
Plant in groups of 3-5 plants in native soil (no amendments needed!).
Do not fertilize!
Do not apply pesticides.
Visit a Viva Florida wildflower garden near you for inspiration
When you submit your flowers for reimbursement, upload the following curriculum:
Use the following wording (copy/paste): "My child is growing a pollinator/butterfly garden that supports biodiversity. It hosts insect populations that attract birds and other wildlife. He/she will complete various science-based activities around this garden."
Resources for choosing native wildflowers for your area:
Gardening for Native Pollinators: Gardening for Grades (p. 19)
Florida Association of Native Nurseries - where to purchase plants
Florida Native Seeds - purchase online
CHOOSE NON-NATIVES WISELY
The challenge? Choosing beautiful non-native plants with a specific educational purpose that processors do not consider 'ornamental'.
Choose:
Florida-friendly host plants that feed caterpillars
Florida-friendly nectar plants that feed adult butterflies
Create a plan for your butterfly garden!
Choose from the lists below
Choose plants that flower at different times of the year
Choose plants with different sizes adn colors of flwoers
Plant 3-5 of each plant type
Visit a local nursery for inspiration and gardening advice
Plan on providing irrigation & fertilization if necessary
When you submit your flowers for reimbursement, upload the PDF of one of the pictures above.
Use the following wording (copy/paste) on the EBF: "My child is growing a pollinator/butterfly garden that supports biodiversity. It hosts insect populations that attract birds and other wildlife. He/she will complete various science-based activities around this garden."
TIPS for SUBMITTING CORRECTLY
STOP!
PLEASE check the FES-UA and FES-PEP Purchasing Guides before making large purchases!
Everyone is responsible for researching their purchases for appropriateness.
SUBMIT WITH AN EBF!
Gardening supplies are submitted as:
Instructional Materials
➡️ Elective Supplies
➡️ Garden Supplies
✅Complete and upload the Educational Benefits Form. (Otherwise known as "EBF")
KEEP READING!
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