Home Gardening

We are trained volunteers, qualified to inform residents about horticulture practices that will help prevent environmental damage,  such as:

• Reducing runoff and erosion
• Finding alternatives to pesticides and herbicides
• Discouraging the use of invasive plants
• Choosing plants that are appropriate to their location
• Determining soil quality by soil testing and other methods
• Eliminating or reducing high-maintenance areas in cultivated landscapes
• Minimizing paved surfaces wherever possible
• Following practices that contribute to building healthy landscapes

We will help you learn ways to garden more sustainably by:

• Growing food organically
• Composting
• Using fertilizers on lawns and gardens wisely
• Finding interesting alternatives to large expanses of lawn
• Bay-Wise practices for Landscaping and Gardens (more info)

We use a variety of activities to provide horticulture information:

• Working with schools on environmental education and landscaping projects
• Holding plant clinics for the public
• Designing landscapes for public areas
• Providing educational exhibits at local events
• Advising individual residents and businesses on landscaping issues