Templates for Hummingbirds, Sunsets and Spring and So Many More.
Maryland's Department of Natural Resources "Green Book for the Buffer" is a tremendous resource for all gardeners and especially for those who want to get started with native plants. Each garden design includes a description of the ideal location in terms of sun, soils and suggestions for its use, such as ideal for creating a relaxing outdoor space in summer. Most of the plants are available at native plant nurseries.
The PDF manual has 24 specific native planting templates beginning on page 31 for all sorts of situations from dry sun to moist shade to everything in between. And it is free! Want to attract frogs? There is a plan for that. Love the color violet? There is a plan for that. Turtles? Ditto!
While these plans are designed for shoreline property owners, they feature native plants that work across the watershed. Some plans are for smaller areas and some for larger. Each of the plans can easily be scaled up or down by proportionally adding or subtracting numbers of each plant depending on your situation. The plans are straight forward and feature plants that are, for the most part, widely available from nurseries selling native plants.
I hear from so many people who know native plants are a better choice for their gardens yet are novice gardeners. For those just getting started, a trip to a garden center can be overwhelming because of all the plant choices. Starting with one of these plans and going to a native plant nursery makes things a lot easier! If you already have a native plant garden, you might find some good ideas too!
Now just might be the time to find a shady spot and think about your gardening plans for fall. Perusing these free templates is sure to give you plenty of inspiration.
Happy gardening.
