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.


These programs are based on the eight elements of conservation landscaping as outlined by the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council. A conservation landscape:

  • Is designed to benefit the environment and function efficiently and aesthetically for human use and well-being
  • Uses locally native plants appropriate for site conditions
  • Institutes invasive plant management
  • Provides habitat for wildlife, birds, pollinators and more
  • Promotes healthy air quality
  • Conserves and cleans water
  • Promotes healthy soil function
  • Is managed to conserve energy, reduce waste, and eliminate or minimize the use for pesticides and fertilization

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.

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.