Chapters in Maryland

After moving to this 2/3-acre lot in Bel Air 3 years ago, creating native gardens and an oasis for wildlife has been the priority.

The established wooded section of the property has all native trees and has mostly been cleared of invasive plants allowing the native seed bank to flourish. 

The front yard was almost all turf grass and is in full sun. After receiving 5 deliveries from Chip Drop (estimated 80 cubic yards), a large portion of the grass was smothered creating beds to fill with native bushes and perennials and pathways to enjoy the gardens. 

The property includes a koi pond that has been transformed into a habitat that toads and frogs use for breeding in the spring and hibernating in the winter.

Many of the plants, particularly the bushes, remain small but hundreds of plants have been added and there is plenty to enjoy! 

**Members receive advanced access to register for events with limited space. If space is available, registration will open to the public 4-5 weeks prior to the event.

This event has sold out. Email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist. 

Are you itching to build a beautiful and biodiverse habitat garden to support treasured wildlife? Begin by being an ecological gardener. 

In this presentation with Elyse Jurgen, you'll gain insight from the ‘5 E’s of Ecological Gardening’ to get your space planned and buzzing. Whether your canvas is a 10 sq. ft. balcony or a monoculture of mowed lawn grass, you'll leave inspired to rebuild biodiversity on your piece of the planet.

A presentation of the Ecological Landscaping Speaker Series & Native Garden Tours:

In 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, Adkins Arboretum received funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT) to provide outreach and education to local Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and the general public, supporting environmentally friendly landscaping practices. 

This series was developed by building on the Naturally Better Landscaping project, in partnership with ShoreRivers, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Pickering Creek, Phillips Wharf, and Wild Ones. It is offered free of charge thanks to funding from CBT and Queen Anne’s County, and open to the general public.

A collaboration between Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Deale Library, and Southern Maryland Native Plant People. Native plants will be shared with participants. An outreach table with information regarding the benefits of native plants, Wild Ones membership information and plant lists for native plant conditions and garden design. Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay members will be available to answer questions and provide other guidance for including native plants in residential gardens. 

Come and see this property to appreciate how Mother Nature has done most of the work on Rujuta and Rahul's front and back yards! 

This property has been acknowledged as winners of the Green Towson Alliance native garden contest 2024 and featured in a Nuts for Natives blog. 

Featuring a rain garden set up with the help of GVC and University of Maryland, a water feature in the back yard that uses oxygenating plants to maintain organic balance, and a native front yard built and featured on 'Kill Your Lawn' Maryland Chapter on Earth FX - there is a lot to explore on these small (0.3 acre lot) urban native centric yards. 

There is a focus on conserving rainwater in woodchip filled lanes that are walkways between native plant rows that sustain the plants and have reduced watering needs by over 80% spring through summer. 

**Members receive advanced access to register for events with limited space. If space is available, registration will open to the public 4-5 weeks prior to the event.

Help us share native plants!

Bring your bare root or potted plant in commercially bought soil and go home with new plants. You do not need to contribute in order to participate. 

Please see this form to register and for more details on safely sharing plants!

More information and registration coming in September. 

Email us with any questions at [email protected]