Plant & Garden Guides
Practical, local guides to gardening with native plants in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area — written by a University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener.
Deer-Resistant Native Plants for Maryland
Natives the local deer tend to leave alone — perennials, ferns, grasses, and shrubs.
Native Plants for Dry Shade Under Trees
What actually grows in that bare, root-filled spot under a big oak or maple.
Lawn Alternatives for Maryland Yards
Sedge lawns, walkable ground covers, and low-mow meadows that need less work.
Native Alternatives to Common Invasive Plants
What to plant instead of Bradford pear, burning bush, nandina, English ivy, and more.
Where to Buy Native Plants in DC & Maryland
Local nurseries, plant sales, and mail-order/bare-root sources.
How to Build a Rain Garden in Maryland
Soak up runoff and protect the Chesapeake — placement, sizing, and plants by zone.
Best Native Plants for Pollinators
A season-by-season list, plus the keystone species that matter most.
Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
The native, tubular flowers ruby-throated hummingbirds can't resist.
Native Shrubs for Privacy & Screening
A tougher, prettier alternative to a wall of Leyland cypress.
Native Plants for Full Sun & the Hell Strip
Prairie-tough natives for hot, dry, baking spots — including that strip by the street.
Native Plants for Clay Soil
Work with Maryland's heavy clay instead of fighting it.
How to Start a Native Plant Garden
A simple, step-by-step beginner's guide — no Latin required.
A Maryland Planting Calendar
When to plant, divide, cut back, and (mostly) leave things alone.
Want a garden designed around your space?
Guides are a great start — but a design takes all the guesswork out.
Get in touch to learn more