Press Release: Davidson County highways receive award

In 1985, the North Carolina Department of Transportation launched its Wildflower Program with just 12 acres of roadside land dedicated to nurturing wildflower beds. Former Governor Jim Martin's wife, Dotty, pushed for the program after reading about beautiful wildflower beds in Texas.

The program has proven popular, and has resulted in hundreds of acres of wildflower beds that are planted and maintained on our state's roadsides

The 2023 Wildflower Awards honored the many hard-working employees who have tended the beds of flowers with dedication.

“Our employees are the backbone of our efforts to keep North Carolina’s roadways beautiful,” said David Harris, NCDOT’s Roadside Environmental engineer. “Their hard work and attention to detail ensure that travelers and residents alike can enjoy the breathtaking scenery that North Carolina has to offer.”

The Garden Club of North Carolina sponsors the awards which are given to the best-looking flower beds in each region of the state. The Wildflower Awards were given for beds that bloomed in 2023 and the winners are:

Best Overall Division Wildflower Program:

First Place – Division 9, which includes Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Rowan and Stokes County

Second Place – Division 7, which includes Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Orange, and Rockingham County

While you are traveling around the state this spring and summer, be sure to look for these other award winning locations. Let the calming presence of the mass plantings' natural beauty add positivity to your driving experience in our state.

Best Regional Wildflower Planting, Eastern Region:

First Place – Division 2, NC 58 at NC 24 Cape Carteret in Carteret County

Second Place – Division 6, I-95 South in Robeson County

Best Regional Wildflower Planting, Central Region:

First Place – Division 7, US 29 at Barnes Street in Rockingham County

Second Place – Division 9, US 52 exit 129 Perch Road in Stokes County

Best Regional Wildflower Planting, Western Region:

First Place – Division 12, I-40 at exit 138 Oxford School Road in Catawba County

Second Place – Division 13, US 25/70 at South Windy Ridge Road in Madison County

William D. Johnson Daylily Award:

First Place – Division 4, US 264 at Dowing Street in Wilson County

Second Place – Division 7, I-85 at Grandover Resort in Guilford County

{Photos: Public Use}