Native Plant Habitat Certification: 2017 Year in Review

Jan 5, 2018 | Native Plant Certification, News & Announcements

The Native Habitat Certification program had a great year!

A few hard working members gave the program a boost. We now have newly designed signs, a page on the GNPS website, and an easy online application. In 2017, eight new gardens were certified. The gardens range from a small lot in Roswell packed with shade tolerant plants to a 9 acre rural setting near Talmo where invasive plants are being eradicated. Every yard has their own way of using natives. Many gardeners love the woodland wildflowers, while some people show off ornamental grasses in the autumn. Residences might have a professionally designed look, while others merely consist of a collection of the owner’s favorite plants. Each applicant presents various gardening features, but what they all have in common is native plants!

Andrea Greco and Scott Goldstrohm installed native plants in their front yard and have two thirds of their property in natives. This bold move has been rewarded with a gold level certification. The Krause family has no lawn! Instead they used native plants throughout the whole suburban lot, and, as a result, they also received the gold certification. These are just a few of the examples of certifications in the program. As the new year progresses, look for certified gardens featured on the Native Plant Habitat Certification page within the GNPS website.

If you are interested in getting your garden certified, you can begin by setting aside a small portion of your yard for natives. Growing seven plants, for example, will qualify you for the beginning level of bronze. If you already bought seven plants at the GNPS fall plant sale and have one third of your property in native plants, you are on your way to the silver level. Or go for the gold with two thirds of your property in native plantings. The gold and silver levels receive a sign for their yard. What a perfect way to start a conversation about native plants with your neighbors! Certification is not limited to residences. Church grounds, school gardens, and parks can also be certified as native plants areas. We need to rebuild our plant and animal natural surroundings and restore biodiversity wherever we can. It’s been a great year for promoting native plant habitats. Keep up the good work!

The Habitat Certification Program will be at the “ROOTED IN TREES” 23rd Symposium in Macon, Georgia on February 10th. Be sure to look for the table and find out more on how you can certify your garden.

BRONZE, SILVER or GOLD certificates come with each certification. GOLD or SILVER certified gardens also receive a sign with optional custom sign post.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following applicants for their achievements in 2017! It’s been a great year for promoting native plant habitats. These gardens illustrate how TOGETHER, we can rebuild our plant and animal natural surroundings and restore biodiversity throughout the state of Georgia.

2017 GOLD CERTIFIED GARDENS
  1. Sally Reynolds
  2. Ron Smith
  3. Richard Lebovitz
  4. Rick and Sandy Krause
  5. Southern Meadows (Karin Hicks)
  6. Andrea Greco and Scott Goldstrohm
  7. Stone Mountain Park Nature Garden (Barcia Chasteen)

2017 SILVER CERTIFIED GARDENS
  1. Thomas and Barbara Dorn
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