Visitors to Jo Allyn Lowe Park may spot something new in the tallgrass prairie area: QR‑coded signs designed to help people discover the park’s wildflowers.
The City recently installed the signs to give park‑goers quick access to online information about the many native wildflower species that grow in the prairie section of the park. Scanning a sign takes visitors directly to park information on the City’s website, which includes links to a new webpage launched by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center that highlights native wildflowers identified in Jo Allyn Lowe Park by members of the Green Thumb Garden Club.
“Jo Allyn Lowe Park is the only city park in Oklahoma with a tallgrass prairie area,” said club member Denise Gregg. “Our members have documented wildflowers here over several growing seasons, and it’s exciting to make that information easier for visitors to explore.”
The Wildflower Center’s collection page includes details about and photos of each species, including characteristics such as bloom month and flower color. Tip: Bookmark the page on your phone before your next visit so you can identify flowers as you walk the prairie.
“A wide variety of wildflowers can be seen in Jo Allyn Lowe Park,” Gregg added. “Last year, after good early‑summer rains, a wild orchid — Spring Ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) — even made an appearance.”
In addition to the native species featured on the Wildflower Center site, photos of non‑native wildflowers found in the park will be shared monthly on the Green Thumb Garden Club Facebook page. Most non‑native species begin blooming in March, April and May.