New Grant Promotes
"Native PlantScaping"

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ThorpeWood, an environmental education center in the Catoctin Mountains near Thurmont, recently was awarded a grant to offer buyers of new homes a more healthy landscape alternative using native species ideally suited to Frederick County's climate.  Partnering with the Frederick County Builders Association, ThorpeWood will be able to assess the response of potential homebuyers to "Native PlantScaping," that is both beautiful and healthy for the environment.  In addition, more natural landscaping reduces turf areas, thereby saving homeowners' time and money for mowing and fertilizing grass.  It also attracts butterflies and birds with native, nutritious blossoms and seeds.

To learn more about the project, see the article by Evie Hayman and Katherine Mullen, Staff Writers, in the Gazette Community News on December 14, 2006, "Changing Frederick's 'PlantScape':ThorpeWood grant allows homebuyers more environmentally friendly lawns, landscapes".

http://www.gazette.net/stories/121406/walknew185946_31983.shtml