RALEIGH - From bold bursts of sunflowers to waves of poppies, North Carolina's highways are in full bloom thanks to the dedication of the N.C. Department of Transportation's roadside crews.
This week, NCDOT is celebrating the 2024 Wildflower Award winners, honoring the teams that turn ordinary roadsides into extraordinary displays of color.
“Behind every vibrant wildflower bed is a team of skilled and hardworking individuals," said Jeremy Goodwin, NCDOT's roadside environmental engineer. “Their dedication transforms our roadsides into living landscapes that add a splash of color to our highways, support pollinators and make travel a little more enjoyable for everyone who drives our roads."
These awards are sponsored by The Garden Club of North Carolina and given to the best-looking flower beds in each region of the state. The awards recognize the efforts of NCDOT staff who carry out the program and enhance the overall appearance and environmental quality of the state's highways.
The Wildflower Awards were presented for beds that bloomed in 2024. The winners are:
William D. Johnson Daylily Award:
- First Place – Division 9, I-40 and U.S. 421 split in Forsyth County
- Second Place – Division 12, I-85 Welcome Center in Cleveland County
Best Regional Wildflower Planting, Eastern Region:
- First Place – Division 4, U.S. 264 at N.C. 42 in Wilson County
- Second Place – Division 2, I-587 at Mozingo Road in Pitt County
Best Regional Wildflower Planting, Central Region:
- First Place – Division 7, N.C. 29 at Business 29 in Rockingham County
- Second Place – Division 9, U.S. 52 at Perch Road in Stokes County
Best Regional Wildflower Planting, Western Region:
- First Place - Division 11, I-77 at Weigh Station in Surry County
- Second Place – Division 13, I-26 East at Exit 17 in Buncombe County
Best Overall Division Wildflower Program:
- First Place - Division 7, which includes Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Orange and Rockingham counties
- Second Place – Division 12, which includes Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Gatson, Lincoln and Iredell counties.
NCDOT's Wildflower Program took root in 1985 with former First Lady of North Carolina Dottie Martin, inspired by a Wall Street Journal article about Texas' roadside blooms. That small idea has since flourished into a statewide tradition, enhancing the beauty of North Carolina's highways while supporting pollinators and creating a more scenic driving experience.
A Flickr album with photos of the winners is available here.