Hi, 

The good news is that there is a lot of information available to look through, the somewhat bad news is, it can possibly be overwhelming when you're just getting started. 

A lot of the plants will that will be eligible will depend on your goals and site conditions. 

• Are you hoping to provide a food source for pollinators, birds or other wildlife? If you plant it-they will come!
• Are you trying to create all season interest?
• Is this going to be for personal use or showcased along the street for neighbors to see or in a public location?
• What is the maintenance going to be like?
• Do you want to incorporate any native edible plants?

The site conditions are other considerations: 

• What is the sun pattern? Full sun, shade, part sun, what time of day? Reflective heat or light off of a building or windows? Winter sun due to deciduous trees losing their leaves and then summer shade?
• What is the soil like? Does it retain water after rain or drain fairly quickly? You can gather a soil sample to send to an area laboratory for analysis. They can test for potential of heavy metals (if you are in an urban environment or planting next to buildings that are historic) pH level, and available nutrients.
• Is there deer pressure or rabbits that nibble on nearby plants?
• Is it windy or sheltered?

The following links can be explored for native plant information for Maryland: 

• https://extension.umd.edu/resource/recommended-native-plants-maryland
• https://extension.umd.edu/resource/native-plants-and-climate-change
• https://extension.umd.edu/resource/native-plants-home-landscape
• https://mdflora.org/gardening
• https://www.allianceforthebay.org/native-plant-center/
• https://xerces.org/publications/plant-lists/native-plants-for-pollinators-and-beneficial-insects-mid-atlantic

In general you would start with a soil test of the area, prepare the garden bed space, then plan on planting the larger plant material first: trees and shrubs and then filling in spaces with perennial plants. 

Let us know if we can assist with further guidance or narrow down your research options. 

Emily 

Emily…  

WOW!!  Thank you.  I have some homework.  This is going to be fun.  I’ll keep you in the loop.    : D

Regards,

Jim