Silver Spring Landscape Businesses Among First in New Certification Program

Of the seven Montgomery County businesses that are the first to qualify under the new Green Landscape Business Certification Program, four are based in Silver Spring, according to a news release from the county.

The certification program is a collaboration between the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery College.

The program expands eligibility for the Green Business Certification Program beyond businesses with office-based operations to the landscaping sector. 

To be certified, a landscape business must meet requirements in these areas: air quality, energy efficiency, waste management and procurement; integrated pest management and plants; water and soil, and organizational commitment and office operations. For more information, see the certification program's website.

These are the four Silver Spring businesses that qualified, with accompanying descriptions from the county news release:

• The Abundant Backyard

The Abundant Backyard, Silver Spring, helps homeowners and community groups protect watersheds and increase pollination of our local food chain -- one garden at a time. Providing educational resources, a network of sustainable local suppliers and design skills to clients, The Abundant Backyard provides gardeners with easy-to-obtain plants and the knowledge to develop successful and abundant sustainable gardens. Since its inception in 2011, the company has used only eco-friendly practices as it educates clients on options to grow and maintain their yards in cost-effective, eco-friendly ways.

• Backyard Bounty

Backyard Bounty, Silver Spring, is dedicated to improving the environment by re-imagining the American garden. It believes that gardens should be good for people and good for the earth. Its gardens eschew the use of dangerous pesticides and fertilizers; reduce the amount of polluted water residential properties send to the Chesapeake Bay; limit fossil fuel use by creating space for clients to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit onsite; eliminate invasive plants where possible, and use plants that increase the diversity of flora and fauna. 

• Green Scene Landscaping

Green Scene Landscaping, Inc., Silver Spring, since its inception, has focused on the environmental impact of its operations. Internally, the company stresses reducing the use of paper, energy and water. It also has a comprehensive recycling program and always purchases “green products,” including 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. Green Scene also encourages sound environmental practices when designing and caring for its customers’ properties. This includes minimizing areas that need mowing; reducing water use; developing responsible pest management and chemical application strategies, and designing effective water runoff management systems. 

• Kit Gage – Gardener’s Advisers

Kit Gage – Gardener’s Advisers, Silver Spring, specializes in environmental education with a particular emphasis on reducing stormwater pollution through techniques that promote water infiltration into yards. The company also recommends ways to reduce water use, pesticides, fertilizers and turf and promotes the use of native perennials, shrubs and trees.