Landscaping with Native Plants

Did you know a nicely landscaped home can sell for 10% -12% more than a home that has minimal landscaping?  Your front yard makes a huge first impression! Using native plants in the design -- rather than non-natives – is both economical and smart. Because they’ve adapted to the climate and soils, these plants tend to be hardy and need little maintenance or watering once they take root.  In addition, yards with native flowers, ferns, shrubs and trees tend to be healthier because chemicals such as fertilizers, insecticides, or herbicides aren’t necessary. But most importantly, native plants are a vital part of the food chain and support birds, pollinators, and butterflies. While non-natives are equivalent to eating junk food, native plants are a nutritious feast for local wildlife.

There are several places in the DMV where you can buy native plants:

Earth Sanga
Springfield, Virginia
703.333.3022
info@earthsanga.org

Nature By Design
Alexandria, Virginia
703.683.GROW
plantfolks@nature-by-design.com

Watermark Woods
Hamilton, Virginia
540-441-7443
Julie@watermarkwoods.com

Chesapeake Natives, Inc.
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
240.997.5185
info@chesapeakenatives.org

There are also periodic plant sales sponsored by local groups such as the Ayr Hill Garden Club, Potowmack Chapter of the Native Plant Society, Prince William Wildflower Society, Walker Nature Center, Clifton Institute, Friends of Riverbend Park, etc.

For more information about native plants in the DMV, check out the Plant NOVA Native website.  It’s a good place to start and will provide ideas for enhancing your yard . . . for that important first impression!  The Maryland Native Plant Society also has a website filled with lots of information.

If you have questions about boosting the curb appeal of your home or any other changes that can affect its resale value, please feel free to contact me.  I’m never too busy for your calls!