I am the proud owner of a sailboat and a kayak and boat often in the lower reaches of the Chesapeake Bay. Being a biologist and stormwater expert, I'm always aware of the quality of the water. My sailboat is moored at a marina on Chisman Creek, a tributary of the Poquoson River. The water in my boat slip is approximately 5 feet deep, and I have noticed during the last two years that I have been able to see the bottom of the creek just a couple of times. Most days, the water is cloudy (turbid), and I can see less than a foot below the water surface. Interestingly, the times that the water is clear occur mostly in winter. Continue reading →

The idea couldn’t be simpler. You have seeds left over from last year’s garden but, this year, would like to try some new plants. Somewhere nearby, a fellow gardener is in the same boat. The two of you attend a neighborhood seed swap organized by one very ambitious person or group and — voilà — you both have new seeds to plant. Continue reading →

Garden lovers should mark their calendars for Sept. 22, when the Norfolk Botanical Garden will host two great events focused on conservation landscaping.

Start the day off with the Garden Symposium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme of this symposium is "How Sustainable Gardening and Landscaping Projects Improve the Health of Your Garden." Guest speakers will explain how gardeners can create nature-friendly landscapes and improve the health of their gardens at the same time. Lunch will be served, and door prizes will include a rain barrel and gift certificates for professional landscape consultations. Continue reading →

In 2010, the Chesterfield County Environmental Engineering Department and Friends of Chesterfield's Riverfront launched the Riparian Stewardship Program. The program encourages county residents to cherish and protect the riparian buffers on their land. Riparian buffers are areas of vegetation along waterways that protect water quality by filtering pollutants from stormwater runoff, preventing erosion and providing shade and wildlife habitat. Continue reading →

There are very few things as gross as stepping in a pile of dog poo! It gets all over your shoes, and heaven help you if you're wearing flip flops or sandals. Then you track it into the house and onto the carpet or flooring. However, the dogs are not to blame - it's the owners who need a major behavior change. Not only is it unhealthy for people, but it's unhealthy for the lawn and water quality. Contrary to popular belief, dog excrement is bad for grass and does not fertilize it. Instead, pet waste actually kills grass and plants.  Continue reading →

The black-eyed Susan is a locally native plant that will look great in your garden. It's the state flower of Maryland, and was given this distinction by the Maryland General Assembly in 1918 when it was designated "the Floral Emblem".

Black-eyed Susans are perennial daisies or coneflowers, meaning they live for more than two years and are a good sturdy plant that can survive the winter season. Continue reading →

Welcome to Plant More Plants!

We'll give you tips and information to help you create the best yard possible - both for your family and for the Chesapeake Bay.

As the largest estuary in the United States, the Bay is important, and its well-being is the cornerstone of the new Plant More Plants campaign. More than 17 million people live in the Bay's watershed, and many rely on its economic and recreational benefits. The Bay also is home to 3,600 species of fish, plants and animals. Continue reading →