Native Plants & Conservation Landscapes
About
Native plants are plant species traditionally found in a region that is best suited for that specific region’s climate and ecosystem. These plants occur naturally in a particular region or ecosystem, without human introduction. Maryland native plants are adapted to local soils, rainfall, and temperatures and have developed defenses to many insects and diseases. Given these adaptations, native plants thrive with minimal use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Rain Dog Designs, Gig Harbor, WA
Conservation landscapes are areas planted with native plants, designed to provide wildlife habitat, clean water and reduce the use of energy and chemicals. In areas where poor drainage prevents rain gardens, conservation landscapes use plants to absorb storm-water runoff. Learn more about the design, installation, and maintenance of conservation landscapes in our Rainscaping Manual.
Benefits of conservation landscapes
Provides pollinator & wildlife habitat
Makes landscaping more attractive
Reduces stormwater runoff & pollution
Reduces water, pesticide & fertilizer use
Promotes healthy soils & air quality
Controls invasive plants
