Need Gardening Help? Call The County!

[healthydecode]

Did you know there are resources and programs throughout the county that will assist you if your property has issues?

IMG_1695-001Staff from the soil and water conservation department will come and evaluate the property, give suggestions of what to plant and encourage a good design to assist the homeowner in choices that will be low in maintenance while resolving the issue. I met one of the agents at a nursery, and he gave me information to encourage me to communicate with the department to see if I would qualify for the help. When the agent came to my house, we found that my issues were such that I was a candidate for one of the programs. My main issue is a front slope badly graded at a 45 degree angle, making landscaping a challenge.

I applied for the program and now I wait to hear the outcome. Meantime, I am taking advantage of the many suggestions I was given to design and install a sustainable garden. The department sent me a list of appropriate plants; some were native, naturalized or adapted, and some were perennials. I now have a good design plan that will enhance the aesthetic and still work to hold the soil in place to reduce erosion and water runoff. Due to the degree of the slope, safety is an issue.

cottagegardenMy first step is to remove the plants they suggested removing, and to clean the area of weeds and other plants that I won’t keep. The next step is to decide what plants I like and to draft a plan that gives me a nice-looking aesthetic and that is in keeping with the house’s Cape Cod architecture, is very low maintenance and deer resistant. All this before actually purchasing and planting my choices!

It is a lot of work, but I am very excited about the program, as they will reimburse me for my purchases so long as I keep within the boundaries of their recommendations.

I am so pleased to know that there is a wonderful department with very knowledgeable people who are happy to assist home owners resolve difficult challenges when it comes to developing sustainable gardens.

[Jane]

Sounds like a great program. What county is it?