The South Carolina Department of Transportation is discontinuing its wildflower program as part of an agency-wide effort to reduce costs without compromising highway safety.
SCDOT Maintenance forces will be planting seeds throughout August until stockpiles are exhausted. Work will cease on wildflower plots after Sept. 1, 2008. Funds for the wildflower program have come from the “Keep It Beautiful SC” license plate sales and revoked license fees. Funds generated annually are approximately $150,000 to $180,000. State law only allows these funds to be used for roadside enhancements.
By redirecting efforts away from the wildflower program, there will be cost saving benefits through reduced labor, fuel, equipment, lime, fertilizer, seeds, soil testing and herbicides. The sites are also impractical for establishing irrigation to ensure performance of the flowers.
Enhancement money historically used to fund the wildflower program will continue to be used for roadside enhancements as required by state law. These enhancements will include perennial landscaping projects at the state’s welcome centers and rest areas. The landscaping of South Carolina’s welcome centers and rest areas remains an important enhancement enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.
SCDOT appreciates its partnership with the Garden Club of South Carolina, Inc., in the Carolina Fence Gardens program. Carolina Fence Gardens, which are maintained by local Garden Clubs, have been planted at each of the interstate welcome centers located in South Carolina and provide a unique and vibrant display of natural and cultural state symbols.
The 200-300 square foot areas feature split-rail fence sections that provide valuable habitat elements and allow for showcasing of the other items in the gardens. The state flower, Yellow Jessamine, put forth bright yellow flowers in March and as a source of nectar help to attract the state’s butterfly, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Mounted on the fences, Carolina Wren Houses give shelter to our state bird. Samples of Blue Granite, South Carolina’s state stone, are included and will provide the perfect spot for sun-basking butterflies. In addition to these elements, the gardens have been planted with various native plants including Butterfly Weed, New England Aster and Passion Vine
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