The LGCF and the DOTD have been working with the First Lady of Louisiana, Mrs. Mike Foster, on Project Wildflower Phase.II. This is a continuation of the pilot project, the "Yellow Brick Roads of Northeast Louisiana," planting Coreopsis Tinctoria seed along the highways, and "LA Project Wildflower." Both projects received funding from PETALS. Jean Gilstrap is project chairman.

Individual garden club projects include landscaping areas such as a welcome center, a new site for Red Cross building, Habitat for Humanity, a hospice area, a children's home, etc.

The Alexandria Garden Club project is landscaping two Habitat for Humanity sites. The landscape architect incorporated plants and shrubs that were donated by club members. Project chairman is Diane Steib.

Better Swamps and Garden Club is establishing a water garden and planting native trees at a recently built welcome center. Project chairman is Joe Baucum.

Covington Garden Club has planned a healing garden in a revitalized historic area, using native plants and trees. Project chairman is Fran Whiteley.

"Roses in Bloom" Junior Garden Club chose a children's home site to plant a butterfly garden. The members are interacting with the residents in teaching about butterflies as well as planning and planting the site. Chairman is Erica Zito.

The Marksville Garden Club project is of great civic importance, planting native plants in a city atrium-walkway in a revitalized downtown area. Project chairman is Carol Campbell.

Ponchatoula Gardenettes Garden Club is assisting with the transformation of a hazardous eyesore, an abandoned swimming pool area, into a butterfly garden. Project chairman is Julie Owens.

The newly formed Rivercities Garden Club of Shreveport is landscaping a hospice area with the plan for addressing the need for "Food for the Soul" with the use of plants and trees to promote emotional well-being. Project chairman is Rowanne McCollister.

The Thibodaux Garden Club is landscaping the grounds of a new site for the American Red Cross building. Members are working with city workers and other volunteers. Project chairman is Martha Newchurch.

Four other clubs who applied for grants did not receive funding. Hopefully those projects will be completed with other incentives.