Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes a fantastic new resource for gardeners who want to grow beautiful landscapes that support local wildlife, enrich the soil, and protect our waterways.
We’re excited to share the newly released Maryland Native Plant Guide for the Piedmont Region, created by the University of Maryland Extension’s Maryland Native Plants Program. This comprehensive and user-friendly book was developed to help gardeners successfully use native plants in our local landscapes. The 180-page guide is packed with practical information and inspiration for gardeners of all experience levels.
What’s Inside the Guide
This guide is much more than a plant list! It’s a complete reference designed to help you plan, plant, and maintain a thriving native garden.
Inside, you’ll find educational articles that explain the basics of native gardening and how to design landscapes that work with nature. The guide includes detailed descriptions and photographs of hundreds of native plants, along with helpful growing information.
Plant lists are organized by site conditions, making it easy to find the right plants for sunny or shady areas, dry soils, wet spots, and everything in between. There are also recommendations for aquatic plants, rain gardens, and other special situations.
Gardeners will appreciate the practical features, including tips for supporting pollinators and wildlife, suggestions for deer-resistant plants, and guidance on solving common garden challenges.
Why Native Plants Matter
Native plants are uniquely adapted to our local climate, soils, and ecosystems. They play a critical role in supporting native insects, birds, and other wildlife by providing food and habitat that non-native plants often cannot. Planting natives helps strengthen local ecosystems and contributes to the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Choosing native plants is a simple but powerful way to create landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
How to Get the FREE Guide
The Maryland Native Plant Guide for the Piedmont Region is available as a free downloadable PDF and can also be purchased in print for those who prefer a hard copy.
This guide is published by the University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Native Plants Program. More information and additional native plant resources can be found at:
https://extension.umd.edu/programs/environment-natural-resources/program-areas/maryland-native-plants-program/
If you’re planning a new garden, refreshing an existing landscape, or simply curious about native plants, this guide is an excellent place to start.