“Plant More Plants” campaign renews emphasis on bayscaping

There’s more to this gardening thing than meets the eye. The Plants More Plants campaign, now in its second year, is underway to encourage residents to get out there and garden—to mitigate stormwater runoff and erosion and ultimately improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. The campaign is led by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, with a number of other Chesapeake Bay Program partners in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., according to a DCR news release.

“The message behind this campaign is that we all take actions that impact the health of our local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. Some of those can be fun and have a positive effect. Planting trees, shrubs and hardy perennials not only improves our yards and homes, but it also can help local streams and the bay,” said DCR Public Relations Manager Gary Waugh, coordinator of the Plant More Plants campaign. “Plant More Plants shows you how,” he added.

More than 40 retail nurseries and garden centers, and 40 landscape companies, designers and architects, have partnered with DCR to spread the “more plants, less runoff, healthier Bay” message. The campaign website, http://www.plantmoreplants.com lists, all partners in addition to easy-to-use planting plans, native plant guides and additional landscaping and planting resources. There is a handy guide as to which invasive plant species to avoid too.

Waugh said one goal of Plant More Plants was to have one source for some of the best resources and do-it-yourself landscape guides, specifically designed for Virginia.

Many residents don’t realize the connection between their lawns, stormwater and impacts on water quality, said the DCR official. Spring showers threaten to wash the chemicals and fertilizers meant to make lawns green and beautiful into streams, rivers and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. Once in the waterways,the chemicals and fertilizers fuel the growth of excess algae, which threaten the bay’s health.

Native trees, shrubs and perennials can filter stormwater and prevent runoff. Plant More Plants puts a spotlight on this issue by partnering with industry organizations and advocates, educating consumers on how to help and providing bay-friendly solutions and resources for residents as they seek to enhance their curb appeal.

For a nearby retail partner, landscaping plans featuring native plants, resources and more go to http://www.plantmoreplants.com