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The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and Spring is in the air.  Now is a great time to get started on establishing a native landscape!

How can I help?

  • Seek out native species to plant in your garden.
    • Be a cautious shopper. Many large retailers sell species that are not local or native to our environment. Investigate into natives to your area before shopping.
    • Use the Maryland Native Plant Society Website to locate a nursery in your area that sells native plants.
  • Develop a plan for incorporating native plants into your landscape.
    • It is OK to start small!
      • Focus on transitioning small areas of your landscape to native species each year.
      • Start from scratch by planting a small native plant garden in a corner of your lawn. You can expand out each year and many native plants will help you by spread prolifically.
    • Make sure the species you select are well adapted to their planting sites. Note the following:
      • Sun/shade tolerance
      • Moisture requirements
      • Soil pH and soil type requirements
    • Pay attention to how large plants will get at maturity and follow standard garden design principles when deciding where to put new plants.
      • Put tall species at the back and smaller species up front.
      • Think in three dimensions – in forested ecosystems you can have overstory trees, understory trees, shrubs and ground covers growing in the same area, but in different vertical strata.
      • Plant odd-numbered grouping of plants in clumps and swaths to create aesthetically pleasing garden designs.
    • Aim to have species flowering at different times of the year to keep pollinators happy throughout the growing season.
  • Consider starting with seeds and planting a native meadow.
    • Beware of the “wildflower meadow mixes” sold in many retail establishments. These mixes often include non-native seeds and are often dominated by annuals that will not persist.
  • Maintain a clean edge to help your native plant garden fit in to your landscape.
  • Educate yourself on common invasive plants in the area and remove any invasive species you currently have planted in your garden.