An expansive lawn, symmetrically planted and shaped trees and shrubs, and profuse flower beds of primarily exotic plants are characteristic of this landscape tradition. Today, few of us have the time or resources needed to maintain a formal, European-style landscape. As a result, people are exploring attractive alternatives to traditional landscapes, and many have responded with a more natural, relaxed looking yard that uses a variety of beneficial plants. This style of landscaping has different names. In the Bay region, it is called BayScaping, due to the many ecological benefits such landscapes provide for Chesapeake Bay.
Beneficial plants begin with native, or indigenous species.
Although even botanical experts disagree on a formal definition of a native plant, for the purpose of this guide and the BayScapes principles, we shall define it as a tree, plant, shrub, vine, or ground cover that would have been present when Christopher Columbus discovered America. Many horticultural varieties and imported plants are also deemed beneficial if they have few maintenance requirements and are not invasive. In the Bay region, the primary habitats where native plants can be found include ancient forests, second-growth forests, wetlands, freshwater hardwood swamps, dunes, open meadows, mountain slopes and grasslands. If a more formal, manicured look is desired, native shrubs and trees and many native ornamental grasses and even herbaceous wildflowers can be part of a more static and structured design plan. As rain washes over the land, it carries nutrients and chemicals from our yards to stormdrains and groundwater and, ultimately, Chesapeake Bay.