Examples of some of our conservation landscaping initiatives—including 24 Native Plant Demonstration Gardens and Groves—can be see on the campus of Mary Moss @ J. Albert Adams Academy, 245 Clay Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Since the MM@JAAA/CEC Gardens and Groves are located at a middle school, plus 9th grade, visiting hours during the school year are after 5 p.m., and anytime on the weekends and during the summer. Please note that dog walking is prohibited on school grounds. Directions
Beginning in 2002, the gardens and groves have been installed by countless students and adult volunteers. Over time, as the gardens have matured, some gardens have been altered to reduce maintenance. Native plant installations on school grounds especially need to be designed with long-term maintenance in mind. An important lesson learned over the years at MM@JAAA/CEC is that native herbaceous perennials—although they have beautiful flowers and great wildlife habitat value—generally have higher maintenance requirements for schoolyard habitats. For example, herbaceous perennials need to cut back annually and divided every three to four years. And planting beds may require more intensive weeding.
On the other hand, native trees and shrubs aka woodies—which provide tremendous environmental benefits—often entail less maintenance and may be more appropriate for school grounds. Over the years, we’ve developed a growing awareness of maintenance issues and the greater long-term survival potential of woody plants versus herbaceous perennials on school grounds.
