The Process
Our services are free in participating counties and include:
Site Visits -- Customized Plant Lists -- Technical Advice -- Inspirational Planting Guides
with emphasis on the use of native and drought tolerant plants of the Columbia Basin.
Once certification requirements have been met, participants receive a free Heritage Garden sign for their garden.
Step 1
A Site Visit
What does a site visit entail? We want to get to know you and your space! We'll walk through the site with you and note soil, water, and light conditions in the area you wish to convert into a Heritage Garden. We'll talk through any goals, existing plants you wish to keep, or style aesthetics you have in mind for your space. Got weeds? We'll offer advice and resources on weed control and methods you can use to prepare your site for planting. We'll also take measurements and photos of the area to be converted for us to reference throughout our design process. Then, we'll follow up with your customized plant list!
Step 2
Customized Plant List
& Planting Guide
Using the observations and your input from the site visit, we'll create a customized plant list for your proposed Heritage Garden site. Once you approve the plant list we provide, we can create a customized planting layout for you. Our plan will meet all the Heritage Garden Certification Requirements. Alternatively, if you'd like to design your own planting plan or hire a landscape architect using the plant list we provide- go for it! Just remember, for an official Heritage Garden Certification, you'll need to meet all the certification requirements.
Step 3
Site Prep & Planting
You are responsible for preparing the site and planting your Heritage Garden. We are here to help answer your questions.
We'll offer advice and resources on the best ways to prepare your site for planting as well as maintenance tips and tricks to ensure a successful planting. Whether you're a DIY gardener or looking to enlist some help in the process, we'll point you in the right direction. If any questions arise through the transformation process, don't hesitate to reach out to your county Heritage Garden Representative.
Step 4
Certification & Your Heritage Garden Sign
Show off all your hard work and get your Heritage Garden Certified! Once you've planted your site, make sure you've met all the Certification Requirements. Then, we'll set up a follow up visit to see the transformation and deliver to you a free official Heritage Garden Sign!
Why certify your garden? Not only does it show off all your hard work to the neighborhood but it allows us to keep offering these free services to folks for years to come.
Step 5
Maintaining Your Heritage Garden
The property owner is ultimately responsible for maintaining their Heritage Garden. If you are having difficulties with weeds, a plant species that is not thriving, pests, etc., please contact your Heritage Garden Representative ASAP. When it comes to a garden problem, it's best to "nip it in the bud."
Certification is contingent upon
maintaining minimum requirements.
If you would like to expand or improve your garden by adding new plant species, WONDERFUL, just check the certification criteria and plant lists first. For example, adding non-native species or plants requiring significant irrigation water could negate your certification.
We want you to succeed and enjoy your garden.
Let us make suggestions if you need help.
Stay Connected
with the
Heritage Garden Community
Participate
Mingle with other Heritage Gardener.
Share & Learn
Share Your Garden
Share photos of flora and fauna in your garden. We would love to see how your garden grows! Selected photos may be posted to your virtual tour gallery and/or shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
