Landscape

Landscaping using native plants and edibles will provide a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.  Creating areas in our gardens that mimic the natural habitat of a native plant will help it survive, grow and reproduce.  Partially shaded with a water source gives opportunities for native spring ephemerals and open meadow plants.  Formal knot gardens and garden rooms can be softened using native plants and edibles.  Miniature vegetables are smaller scaled plants for small spaces. 

Landscaping using edible plants provides healthy freshly grown foods that add color and texture to borders and garden spaces.  Edible landscaping, also known as foodscaping is combining edibles with native trees, perennials and annuals.  Front yards and back yards can be enlivened with black raspberries, strawberries and many varieties of edible herbs and flowers. 

Sunflowers, pumpkins and nasturtiums are examples of edibles whose colors draw the eye along the pathways and hardscapes throughout the garden.  Integrating edibles in flower beds or in large containers, creates bio-diversity attracting beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden.  Improving soil with organic materials will reduce the need for supplemental watering and fertilizer.  Truly, planting native plants and edibles is the way that native wildlife and you enjoy the fruits of your labors! 

Lynne Arnold, Landscaping with Native Plants and Edibles, Chair 

Habitat for Humanity (H4H) started 1976 with Former President Jimmy Carter in Georgia. Former President Carter was very active in H4H until recently when his health started to decline.

In 1999, a partnership was formed between National Garden Clubs, Inc. and Habitat for Humanity. The mission of H4H is to eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth. NGC’s goal is to encourage local garden clubs to share their expertise in gardening and landscaping with the owners of Habitat homes. In the past local businesses have provided materials to encourage beautification of the properties.

Habitat for Humanity Garden’s philosophy is that no commitment, physical or monetary, is too small. All contributions whether manual labor, monetary or materials will be acknowledged and greatly appreciated.

The emphasis of this program is on enhancing the environment by landscaping H4H homes with hearty native plants, trees and flowers. We wish to also attract butterflies and other pollinators with these projects. Our goal at NGC is participation in all states and across the nation.

For more information, contact:

Peggy Tucker, Habitat for Humanity Chairman

Our world has been impacted by those who have come before us and lead the way. Early landscape design through the centuries has embellished the homes or properties they surround and been a source of pride. They have utilized plants that perform well in their own environment as well as carry on species that have been used in centuries past. There is nothing like the smell of old fashioned roses preserved from a long lost garden.

The Historic Landscape Preservation Committee will assist in identifying Historic Landscape gardens throughout the Americas, and identifying those that we should visit and support. We can  identify landscapes that need assistance to be  returned to their former glory through participation of National Garden Club Members.

LaMar Merrill, Historic Landscape Preservation Chairman

This chairmanship will assist members in planning for wildlife in their gardens including suggestions for food, water and shelter. We will encourage sustainability in our personal gardens by choosing appropriate plant materials, eliminating pesticide use and cultivating biodiversity.

Barbara Campbell, Landscape for Wildlife Chairman