Have you been working hard on your garden all spring and summer? Have you decided to be more environmentally friendly in your garden? Have you planted a pollinator garden or a garden that will attract and feed the birds? Now is the time to get a little pat on the back, show off to your neighbors, and spread the word about the importance of an environmentally conscious garden, and you can do all this if you get your garden certified.
What Does it Mean to Get Your Garden Certified?
Many environmental non-profit organizations have begun a backyard movement, (pardon the pun, I can’t help it) to spread the word about their organization as well as the importance of their work. Some of these organizations are local, while others are national, but all of them have one goal; spread the word about the importance of being environmentally conscious in the garden.
Here is a list of the garden certifications that I have found along with a link to their website and a brief description of the requirements.
- Patterson Park Audubon Center’s Maryland Bird-Friendly Habitat Sign
- Requirements: eliminate (or be in the process of removing) invasive species, eliminate the use of pesticides, native plantings (amount varies based on the size of your property), provide food, water, nesting materials, and shelter to birds.
- National Audubon Society Plants for Birds Sign
- Requirements: Donation, provide food, water, nesting materials, and shelter to birds.
- Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
- Requirements: Donation, eliminate pesticide and insecticide use in your garden
- The National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat Certification
- Requirements: Donation, provide food, water, cover from predators, places to raise young, maintain sustainable practices.
- Monarch Watch Monarch Waystation Certificate
- Requirements: Provide shelter from predators, provide host plants, provide nectar plants (both annuals and perennials), perform sustainable management practices.
- University of Maryland Extension Office Bay Wise Garden Certificate
- Requirements: Complete the Maryland Yardstick questionnaire, complete application, and contact your local extension office to schedule an inspection.
Give us a call at 410-667-8900 or visit our website to schedule an appointment and learn more about how you can get your garden certified.
