{"id":38764,"date":"2023-06-12T15:34:16","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T19:34:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=38764"},"modified":"2023-06-13T09:34:17","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T13:34:17","slug":"why-certify-an-overview-of-garden-habitat-certifications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2023\/06\/12\/why-certify-an-overview-of-garden-habitat-certifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Certify? An Overview of Garden Habitat Certifications"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Deep<\/a>Gardening with native species is rife with challenges. One of the hurdles we hear about so often is that many of our neighbors just don\u2019t like what we\u2019ve done with our yards and gardens when we replace non-native plants with their native cousins. In this article we\u2019ll examine why that is and how garden certifications can help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Landscape design is, in and of itself, an entire field of study with a rich and varied history. Similar to how human body beauty ideals have changed, specific events and trends throughout human history have shaped both the purpose of gardening and preferences for garden appearance. Modern American garden aesthetics have <\/span>evolved<\/span><\/a> from an influx of diverse cultural influences over the last few hundred years, resulting in a shared (by many, but not all) preference for the typical <\/span>American suburban garden look<\/span><\/a>. Imagine it: a neat house with a tidy garden, plants grouped together and uniformly shaped, an array of tiered layers and colorful blooms, perhaps a picket fence, and a perfectly green lawn. This garden appearance is often seen as a symbol of status and wealth, and perhaps more deeply, as an indication of humankind’s power and control over the natural landscape. <\/span><\/p>\n

That said, those of us that have strived for that appearance know all too well that gardening to that ideal is a struggle! Nature is wild (and wonderful) with unpredictable weather patterns, weeds popping up where they aren\u2019t wanted, insect pests munching on our prized bushes, and deer or rabbits enjoying salad buffets in our food and flower gardens. Many HabiChat readers have joined me in changing the goal: our gardens aren\u2019t just eye candy anymore. We now strive to work <\/span>with<\/span><\/i> nature and support her creatures in our backyard habitats. The question is \u2013 how do we accomplish our goals while convincing those who do not share them of the beauty and purpose in our gardens?<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

By University of Maryland Extension<\/p><\/div>\n

One of the most important steps along the road to successful gardening in a reluctant community is education. No, I don\u2019t want you to go door to door telling your neighbors the good news of native plants (although if that inspires you, far be it from me to stop you!). Let\u2019s imagine your neighbor\u2019s perspective- suddenly their previously well-behaved neighbor has replaced a <\/span>neat<\/span><\/a> lawn, mulch, and topiary boxwoods with gangly plants that most certainly appear to be weeds. Your neighbor might walk his dog or child past your property, seeing it growing tall and filled with bees and butterflies. Perhaps even the deer have chosen to chill in your yard due to its excellent cover \u2013 one can see how he\u2019d assume you are just a lazy gardener. If this tale sounds familiar, it\u2019s time to certify your yard! A few groups have made the task of showing good intentions and passively educating our neighbors extremely easy through garden certification programs and free or cheap signs. Here\u2019s a quick summary:<\/span><\/p>\n