Conservation Landscaping
Conservation
Piedmont Master Gardeners offer two environmentally responsible, conservation landscaping programs designed to provide assistance to Albemarle County and Charlottesville City residents on planning a healthy, sustainable landscape: Healthy Virginia Lawns and Healthy Landscapes.
Each of these programs will provide a site visit by trained Extension Master Gardener volunteers. To find out which program is most appropriate for you, please read more on the individual programs and complete the appropriate application.
Engaging in these conservation landscaping practices will make a difference in preserving our region’s native plants and habitats for pollinators, birds and other wildlife – all critical elements in the complex web of life in our community and surrounding watershed.
The Healthy Virginia Lawns Program and the Healthy Landscapes Program are based on the eight elements of conservation landscaping as outlined by the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council. You can read about them below.
A Conservation Landscape
Uses locally native plants appropriate for site conditions
Conserves and cleans water
Institutes invasive plant management
Promotes healthy soil function
Benefits the environment & function efficiently & aesthetically for human use & well-being
Provides habitat for wildlife, birds, pollinators and more
Promotes healthy soil function
Is managed to conserve energy, reduce waste, & eliminate or minimize the use for pesticides and fertilization