Plant a Wildflower Lawn & Transform Your Yard Into a Pollinator Paradise! Protect Pollinators and the Food Web!
The City of Emeryville is thrilled to introduce a Wildflower Seed Program aimed at promoting and safeguarding the pollinator population. We encourage residents to plant wildflower seeds and maintain beautiful and supportive gardens with free wildflower seeds provided by the City of Emeryville. This initiative aims to support property owners in their wildflower planting endeavors.
By utilizing our free seeds, you can transform your lawn into a pollinator paradise! Wildflowers provide a low-maintenance solution. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard, adding vibrant colors and reducing the need for extensive maintenance.
Why Plant Wildflowers?
- Wildflowers attract butterflies, bees, birds, and beneficial insects, providing them with essential food and habitat.
- Reduce the need for regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing, saving both time and money.
- Enjoy a visually stunning yard filled with colorful flowers and natural beauty.
Join us in creating a pollinator-friendly environment and enhancing the beauty of your surroundings with wildflowers!
How It Works
Emeryville residents can email Community Services Director, Rebecca Sermeno at rebecca.sermeno@emeryville.org to receive free seeds.
We kindly ask that participants be current residents of Emeryville. Please provide (original copy) ONE of the following documents to confirm your residency within Emeryville:
- Drivers License/ID, Bill (PG&E, EBMUD, telephone bill), Rental/Lease Agreement or Bank Statements
Recommended Planting Protocol
The best time to plant wildflower seeds is in the fall between October and November. This time is ideal because it is just before the first rain and prior to the arrival of winter/cold temperatures. The early rain will aid in the germination and establishment of the seeds. Seeds will begin to germinate in the winter and bloom from early spring to summer. You can get seeds now to save and mark your calendar for planting in fall/winter.
- Select a site that is well-drained.
- Prepare the site by raking or lightly tilling the surface of the soil.
- If you would like to further prepare your site against weeds, water the area to encourage any dormant weed seeds to grow. Once the weeds sprout, remove them to minimize competition with wildflowers. Repeat this step as many times as necessary before you decide to spread your seeds.
- Disperse the seeds by hand as desired.
- Lightly rake or sprinkle the seeded area with potting soil for some coverage. Do not bury the seeds or they will not sprout.
- After the first rain, do not let the seeds dry out. If it is a dry season, prepare to have irrigation.
- Maintain the area by removing any weeds or undesired plants.
- If you want the wildflowers to reseed, eliminate the weeds and prevent them from going to seed. Do not deadhead the flowers until they have dried up so they can produce viable seeds for the following year. You can allow the flowers to self sow or manually collect the seeds to save for the next year.
- Enjoy your wildflowers and know that you are providing essential resources for our local pollinators!