By Pearl Garrison
Twenty acres of wildflower seeds have been planted along Oklahoma turnpikes after a donation by Color Oklahoma -- Sow Some Wild Seeds.
Color Oklahoma, a project of the nonprofit Oklahoma Native Plant Society, gave Indian Blanket seeds to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority which planted them along the Creek Turnpike near Tulsa, near Arcadia Lake on the Turner Turnpike, on the Kilpatrick Turnpike near Oklahoma City on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike near Chickasha.
The Indian Blanket, also known as the Gaillardia, is Oklahoma's official wildflower.
Tina Julich, president of Color Oklahoma, said money for the seeds is raised from donations, and the sale of car tags and merchandise.
"We are excited about working with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to beautify the rights-of-way along Oklahoma turnpikes. We appreciate the support of donors and the many people who buy our special Color Oklahoma license tag. Next spring they, other Oklahomans and other travelers will be able to enjoy the beauty of Indian Blanket in bloom," Julich said.
For the past five years, seeds of Gaillardia and other wildflowers have been planted at a number of locations along state highways as part of Color Oklahoma's matching grant program. Individuals, Indian tribes, cities and garden clubs have joined the non-profit organization in the beautification project.
