Have or want an eye-catching, eco-friendly garden?
Got a good looking garden or landscape that is also easy on the planet? The Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council wants to see it.
The group, which promotes conservation-based gardening in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, is sponsoring a contest that opens for applications June 1 and closes in September. Winners announced in November (not sure of the prizes yet.)
"This is a chance to showcase gardens and landscapes that please the environment as well as the eye. Novice gardeners, students, schools, businesses and professionals are all welcome to enter," according to the group.
Click here for more information.
And in the meantime, if you want to create such a conservation-oriented garden or landscape, the group has some tips:
The group says by implementing these practices, you can "contribute to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and improve the region’s water and air quality." Incorporate as many as you can, the group says.
A conservation landscape (in the group's words from its website):
1. Is designed to benefit the environment and function efficiently and aesthetically for human use and well-being;
2. Uses locally native plants that are appropriate for site conditions;
3. Institutes a management plan for the removal of existing invasive plants and the prevention of future nonnative plant invasions;
4. Provides habitat for wildlife;
5. Promotes healthy air quality and minimizes air pollution;
6. Conserves and cleans water;
7. Promotes healthy soils;
8. Is managed to conserve energy, reduce waste, and eliminate or minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
Photo from Amy Haden, a 2008 contest winner, courtesy of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council
