Bay-Wise Certified Residential Gardens
These Anne Arundel County residents implemented Bay-Wise practices and had their yards certified.
Bay-Wise in a Town Home Garden -- 2023 UPDATE!
In 2018, Master Gardeners visited Keith's town home for a Bay-Wise visit, documenting in the section below how it was possible to be a sustainable gardener on the smallest of properties. Jump forward to 2023, when Keith posted the current pictures to the Facebook group Hometown National Park.
In Keith's words, and with his permission:
I live in the suburbs of DC among a sea of turf grass yards. I started my native plant gardens in early 2018 and have been absolutely in love with them.
Unfortunately, I immediately received letters from my HOA demanding their removal and replacement with turf grass. With the help of a local pro bono Chesapeake Bay conservation legal team, I was able to delay the HOA’s enforcement of the removal until Maryland passed a law in 2021 protecting native plant gardens from HOAs and community organizations.
The amount of urban wildlife my gardens attract is amazing. All of the planted species are local ecotype native except for two thanks to a LENS plant nursery I volunteer with. Choosing LENS plants means I never have to question the wildlife value. (LENS = local ecotype native species. His nursery is Chesapeake Natives.)
In Keith's words, and with his permission:
I live in the suburbs of DC among a sea of turf grass yards. I started my native plant gardens in early 2018 and have been absolutely in love with them.
Unfortunately, I immediately received letters from my HOA demanding their removal and replacement with turf grass. With the help of a local pro bono Chesapeake Bay conservation legal team, I was able to delay the HOA’s enforcement of the removal until Maryland passed a law in 2021 protecting native plant gardens from HOAs and community organizations.
The amount of urban wildlife my gardens attract is amazing. All of the planted species are local ecotype native except for two thanks to a LENS plant nursery I volunteer with. Choosing LENS plants means I never have to question the wildlife value. (LENS = local ecotype native species. His nursery is Chesapeake Natives.)
Bay-Wise in a Town Home Garden
Do you think your yard is too small to bother with Bay-Wise practices? Think again!
Keith, a town home owner in Odenton, demonstrates several in his small front yard.
Keith, a town home owner in Odenton, demonstrates several in his small front yard.
Front and Back Yard Gardening: A Transformation!
Master Gardener Sophie transformed her entire yard by removing the lawn and installing raised beds. Her front yard showcases a vibrant medley of flowers, vines, and vegetables. In her backyard she maintains two bee hives and has a highly productive mushroom bed.
Master Gardener Elaine
Master Gardener Robin
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