In September the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and SG Designs planted a native plant garden, also known as a conservation landscape, at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. This garden not only beautifies the church grounds, it also provides wildlife habitat and protects water quality by reducing polluted stormwater runoff from entering the James River and Chesapeake Bay. 

Three new trees were planted: a Sourwood and two Sweetbay Magnolias. Trees were important to the congregation because they had lost some in hurricane weather over the past few years. Some of the native plants include black-eyed Susans, beauty berry, columbine, butterfly weed, and juniper. The church will work with the Alliance to certify this garden with the National Wildlife Federation as an official certified Wildlife Habitat, which means the garden provides food, cover, and a place for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to raise their young. 

When the risks of COVID transmission have reduced, the Alliance will hold volunteer maintenance days in the garden. We will lead parishioners in weeding, mulching, and planting projects. This will be an opportunity for the church community to learn more about the importance of native plants and discover ways they can work toward protecting the Chesapeake Bay at your home. 

This project was generously funded by Altria.