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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