Color Oklahoma brings wildflowers to Marlow thanks to Patio Garden Club

COLOR OKLAHOMA PLANTS RECORD INVESTMENT IN WILDFLOWERS 

Oklahoma non-profit brings new life to highways and communities. 

MARLOW, OKLA – Color Oklahoma is proud to announce a record-breaking $25,000 investment in native wildflower seeds to be planted across the state in 2025. This year, Marlow’s Patio Club is a 2025 grant recipient of the non-profit, and will use the funds to beautify US-81 north of Marlow. 

The statewide project will see 800 pounds of seeds planted along some of Oklahoma’s most visible highways and turnpikes, as well as in public spaces such as city parks, bringing lively seasonal color to the landscape while supporting pollinators and native ecosystems. The initiative is part of Color Oklahoma’s ongoing mission to preserve the state’s wildflower heritage and promote native plant education and conservation. 

The grant, totaling $1,500, will fund the planting of 45 pounds of native Oklahoma wildflower seeds in Marlow. The seeds will include the Oklahoma state wildflower, the Gaillardia, as well as Lance-leaf Coreopsis and Showy Primrose. The combination of flowers will provide bright orange, yellow and pale pink flowers along the local landscape. 

Bettie Cooper, Patio Club President, says, “We are excited to see our wildflowers expanding north of Marlow. Everyone really enjoys the show each spring of the bluebonnets that were planted years ago on the south medians. Patio Oklahoma along with ODOT and Color Oklahoma put down the bluebonnets, and God took care of the others.” 

Other grant recipients include: Bristow Parks, Cheyenne, Duncan, Durant, Madill, Okemah, Sac and Fox Nation, Waurika, Tishomingo, Pryor, Marlow, Rush Springs, and Checotah. The plantings will be maintained in partnership with ODOT and local governments, ensuring long lasting beauty and ecological benefit for communities across Oklahoma. 

Founded in 2002, Color Oklahoma has been helping transform communities by investing in over $100,000 of seed plantings across the state. The primary source of funding to support the organization and its seed purchases is through the sale of the wildflower specialty license plates. 

“Color Oklahoma proves that planting small seeds can lead to big change, like connecting people to nature, supporting pollinators, and making Oklahoma a more vibrant place for everyone,” says Chairperson Monica Bartling. “These wildflowers turn ordinary roadsides into living works of art and remind us all of the natural beauty that makes Oklahoma so special." 

To purchase a license plate, make a donation, or learn how to get involved with Color Oklahoma, visit their website at coloroklahoma.com.