Little Red Wagon Native Nursery in Tampa: A Visit

If you like native plants or butterflies, Little Red Wagon Native Nursery is worth knowing about. It's at 4113 Henderson Blvd in Tampa, FL 33629, and it sells native Florida plants along with gift products. The nursery is a member of the Florida Association of Native Nurseries, and its stated mission is to nurture native landscapes and promote beneficial native plants through education, outreach, and support for landowners. All proceeds go to the Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation, which works on conservation, education, and research for butterflies and native plants. The foundation says about 118 butterfly species breed and live in the Tampa Bay area.

The plants are grouped into themed collections, including Fluttering Gardens, twining vines, and Nurturing native. The last one has sections for edibles, herbs, plants for the birds, grasses, shrubs, trees, and vines. Some prices listed on the website include Cardinal Flower at $10.00 for a 1-gallon pot. It's a red-flowered perennial, 3 to 5 feet tall, that blooms from July to October and attracts hummingbirds and Swallowtail butterflies. Aquatic Milkweed is listed at $6.00 and is a host plant for Monarch and Queen butterflies. Both were marked as out of stock on the site, so it's a good idea to check availability before you go. Pink Swamp Milkweed has pink flowers with a vanilla scent and grows 2 to 3.5 feet tall. It comes in cultivars such as 'Ice Ballet', with white flowers, and 'Cinderella', with pink flowers and white centers.

Besides the plant shop, the nursery has a Bug Zoo, a Living Educational Exhibit, a Native Butterfly Botanical Garden, a Botanical Garden, and a Butterfly Garden. The exhibits are open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. Single-day exhibit tickets are bought at the register. The plant and gift shop is open Monday to Friday and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The nursery doesn't offer shipping or delivery. You can order online and pick a pickup date at the store. Your items are reserved and you're notified when they're ready. For special orders or plants that are out of stock, there's a Custom Order Form. The nursery also hosts events with speakers, butterfly and native plant walks, and group field trips for clubs and organizations. Field trips and nature camps for children run through the year when schools are closed, and volunteer opportunities are available for adults and teens.