These champions of the garden world keep the soil friable, or loose, ready to receive and percolate falling rain into the ground below. Seasonal bloom periods and interesting, vibrant fall colors result in an exciting and ever-changing landscape. Many native ground covers thrive in shady areas in the landscape receiving less than ideal light. In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, they are well-adapted to variable weather conditions and extremes. Under deciduous trees, in a woodland shade garden and even on the north or east side of a house, these hardy ground covers boast distinctive leaf shapes and naturally resist pests.
Vegetable gardens do more than replace lawn areas.
They provide home-grown produce for the dinner table. Consider intensive vegetable gardening-a method of growing vegetables and flowers together in relatively small spaces. Splashing water can provide a much-needed respite on a hot day for songbirds who find the sounds and cool surface irresistible. A small wooden barrel or even a plastic tub can bring life to a colony of waterlilies, complete with small fish or maybe a frog or two. Once you see how water attracts wildlife, you may find yourself experimenting with several containers to create a veritable wildlife sanctuary right at home.