Home>JCC/W MG Projects>Landscape Love Program

Residents in James City County and Williamsburg can get answers to their landscape questions through the Landscape Love program offered FREE by James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardeners through the County Extension Office.

Homeowner registrations from JCC and Williamsburg residents are now being accepted. The Fall 2008 session is now open for registration from August 1 to September 15.. This free program designed to promote healthy landscapes in our area and will have local master gardeners visit homesites to review general and specific landscaping problems (non turf related) which may include pruning, control of animal pests, flower gardens, design considerations, groundcovers, water conservation practices and appropriate plant selection including proper techniques for planting trees and shrubs.

The program's purpose is to educate homeowners on Best Management Practices for a healthy and beautiful landscape. The program will also seek to enhance water quality and conservation practices to restore and protect our local watersheds. Staff and trained Master Gardener volunteers will develop educational materials, complete on-site homeowner visits, and suggest planting and maintenance recommendations including:

• Appropriate plant selection, placement and care, efficient irrigation and fertilization and Integrated Pest Management practices. Included will be optional plant materials for areas where extreme slopes, prolonged shade, poor soils, and/or high or low moisture levels make turf a poor choice.
• Reducing the use of water, fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and fossil fuels by working parallel with the County's goals set by WaterSmart and PRIDE.
• Suggesting appropriate plant materials and routine maintenance to assure success by encouraging the use of native plants, trees, and shrubs, composting, and reuse of yard debris.
• To educate local citizens on the adverse environmental effects of landscape practices and their relationship to the environment such as the use of exotic invasive species, mulches from declining resources and storm water surface runoff
• Establishing diversified landscape practices which support habitat preservation for wildlife and a healthier environment.