Virginia homeowners can help protect the environment and the Chesapeake Bay by planting Virginia-grown plants this spring.
The Virginia Green Industry Council has launched a project called Grow Some VA! to encourage homeowners to reduce storm water runoff from their yards into local waterways by growing Virginia-grown plants. The plants also will beautify properties and help create habitat for insects and wildlife.
“Bottom line, it helps the Chesapeake Bay,” said Rick Baker, Grow Some VA! manager. “The bay is a valuable economic resource, recreational refuge and habitat for a wide range of marine life. Grow Some VA! provides ideas for planting and sources of Virginia-grown plants to help stimulate positive change.”
Virginia residents can do their part by planting native species, which they can find in independent retail garden centers across the state. The VGIC is focusing on Virginia-grown plants because they are acclimated to the state’s growing conditions and grow well in Virginia soil, and because buying them helps support local economies, Baker said.
Grow Some VA! will be highlighted at independent retail garden centers this spring. Displays will encourage gardeners to “get busy and plant something.” There are almost 40 businesses advertising the program and offering resources to participants.
VGIC members include arborists, Christmas tree growers, educators, florists, gardeners, horticulturists, landscapers and landscape designers and suppliers, lawn care professionals, retail and wholesale nurseries, and public gardens. The organization’s guidelines for improving the state’s environment include high environmental standards for horticultural businesses and products; use of best management practices for controlling water runoff; and the planting of Virginia-grown plants for habitat restoration.
For more information about Grow Some VA!, visit growsomeva.com or the VGIC’s Facebook page at facebook.com/
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