Sustainable animal friendly yard - Ask Extension
I have a yard 1/3 acre total and would like to make my backyard into a sustainable animal friendly space with indidenous plants instead of lawn. I ha...
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Sustainable animal friendly yard #874811
Asked June 26, 2024, 1:43 PM EDT
I have a yard 1/3 acre total and would like to make my backyard into a sustainable animal friendly space with indidenous plants instead of lawn. I have deer, squirells, chipmunks, foxes and a host of fireflies and other amazing creatures that I would like to offer a quiet refuge instead of the twice per month lawn mower that comes here. I have found that the cost is exorbitant to do this. I am wondering if the Master Gardner program might be looking for a property to work on. I have spoken with a wonderful company about coming in August to come up with a design but in the meantime I would like to see whether your program might be an option in all or in part. I’m off of Seven Lock Rd near Montrose Road exit. Many thanks! Tamara
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Tamara,
While University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener volunteers teach gardening skills and create demonstration gardens on specific sites (usually county Extension offices), they unfortunately aren't able to design or plan gardens/landscapes in home landscapes as part of their volunteer service. You could contact the Master Gardener Coordinator for your county, though, in case they might be able to connect you with people or county programs that could help you with the landscape.
If you are interested in hiring someone with training in sustainable landscaping practices, consider a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional if you haven't already looked into that program; use the “Find a Pro” search tool on their website for a list of program graduates.
Miri
While University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener volunteers teach gardening skills and create demonstration gardens on specific sites (usually county Extension offices), they unfortunately aren't able to design or plan gardens/landscapes in home landscapes as part of their volunteer service. You could contact the Master Gardener Coordinator for your county, though, in case they might be able to connect you with people or county programs that could help you with the landscape.
If you are interested in hiring someone with training in sustainable landscaping practices, consider a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional if you haven't already looked into that program; use the “Find a Pro” search tool on their website for a list of program graduates.
Miri
