Johnston County Included In Award-Winning NCDOT Wildflower Program

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Roadside blooms across Johnston County are part of a larger statewide success story as the North Carolina Department of Transportation marks 40 years of its Wildflower Program.

This year, Division 4 — which includes Johnston, Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Wayne and Wilson counties — earned first place for Best Overall Division Wildflower Program, recognizing the region’s consistent efforts to maintain vibrant and pollinator-friendly roadsides.

The annual Wildflower Awards, sponsored by the The Garden Club of North Carolina, highlight the work of transportation crews who design, plant and maintain flower beds along highways across the state.

“From planning to planting, these crews pour energy and care into every bloom,” said roadside environmental engineer Jeremy Goodwin. “After four decades, it’s amazing to see how something that started as a small idea has grown into a statewide celebration of nature, community and color.”

While Johnston County did not host a top individual planting this year, nearby counties within Division 4 saw strong recognition. A wildflower bed in Wilson County earned first place in the daylily category, and Wayne County claimed top honors in the Eastern Region planting category.

The program not only enhances scenic travel but also supports pollinators and local ecosystems.