PGT Application

Become a Part of the Pollinator Gardens Trail

Register your garden and become a part of the Pollinator Gardens Trail. The application below will help to determine your garden’s eligibility and then guide you through a series of application questions. Once you send, we’ll review and get back in touch with you to complete the application process and officially list your garden as a stop on the Pollinator Gardens Trail.

- Step 1 of 6

Answer the following question to determine if your publicly-accessible garden is eligible to be in the Pollinator Garden Trail.

Section 1: Eligibility Questionnaire

Are you one of the following?

Community Garden
Business
Place of Worship
State or Local Park
Other Public Access Venue
None of the Above

Your Garden is Eligible

Your garden is eligible to apply to be a part of pollinator garden trail. Please continue by completing the application on the following page.

Garden Eligibility

It appears that your garden is not a publicly-accessible space, so does not qualify for the Pollinator Gardens Trail at this time. However, we encourage you to explore our Garden Certification Program or contact us at harfmg@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Section 2: Contact Information

Name of Site Manager or Business Owner(s)

First

Last

Name of Site or Business

Name of business or place where the garden is located (if applicable).

Location of Garden

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Daytime Phone

Provide a phone number where you can be reached during the daytime.

Section 3: Garden Requirements

Minimum Criteria for Participation

Please check each applicable box. All criteria must be met in order to be eligible for participation.

Use plants, trees and shrubs at least half of which should be native to Harford County (see Suggested Seasonal Native Plant Information for Harford County).
Where possible, use plant labels (50%–75% must be labeled) or QR codes that will direct the visitors to more plant information. Labeling plants is one way that PGT gardens help the public learn about native plants.
Agree to an initial visit and maintenance inspections twice annually.
Display the Harford County Pollinator Gardens Trail sign to designate your garden as an official site.

Commitment to Plant Diversity

A diversity of plant material is essential to provide both nectar and pollen to support a healthy ecosystem. Four of the five agreements must be met to be considered for being a site on the PGT.

I will use non-invasive plants that provide pollen and nectar sources from early spring to late fall.
I will provide a diversity of plants, flower shapes and flower sizes.
I will choose older cultivars and limit newer introductions.
I will incorporate pollinator friendly native plants into the garden.
I will place plants in masses (three or more) to attract pollinators.

The conservation practices listed below are highly recommended. Please check all that apply.

Section 4: Recommended Conservation Practices

Plants

http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/maryland_invasive_plants_prevention_and_control.aspx

Remove invasive pest plants.
Reduce or eliminate lawn areas.

Mulching / Shelter

Compost yard and food waste.
Use natural soil amendments (such as compost or well-aged manure).
Maintain a layer of organic mulch over tree roots, shrubs and plant beds.
Plant groundcovers or use mulch on thinly vegetated areas to decrease erosion.
Leave garden clean up until spring (bees and other beneficial insects can nest in ornamental grasses, plant stems, etc.)

Chemicals / Pesticides

Avoid chemical pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides where possible.
Control pests naturally by encouraging beneficial insects.
If pesticides are necessary, use those that are pollinator friendly.

Water / Irrigation

Use drip or soaker hoses, instead of an overhead sprinkler.
Use a rain barrel or other means of capturing/utilizing rainwater to irrigate plants.
Direct downspouts and gutters to drain onto the lawn, plant beds, or containment areas.
Water plants only when necessary.

Section 5: Information About Your Garden

Garden Description

Provide a brief description for publication purposes (five sentences maximum). If you filling out this form as a hard copy, feel free to provide additional information about your garden on a separate sheet of paper. Photos are encouraged.

Photographs

If applicable, please provide a selection of photos of your garden and features of interest (JPEG image files only)

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 5 files.

Garden Size

(Approximate acres, square feet or number of containers)

Percentage of Pollinator-Friendly Plants

Estimate how much of your garden is planted with native pollinator-friendly plants

Selected Value: 0

Garden Hours

Hours that the garden is accessible to the public

Parking

Please describe where parking is available.

Best Time of Year to Visit

When is the best time to visit to view the garden(s)/meadow(s) in bloom or see foliage (please check all that apply):

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
Other

Best Time of Year to Visit: Other

Please provide additional information about the best time of year to visit.

Which option best describes your garden?

Community Garden
Business
Place of Worship
State or Local Park
Other

Best Description: Other

Please provide more information about what option would best describe your garden.

There is no cost to apply for/join the PGT program. However, you must read and sign the statement below.

Section 6: Submit Your Application

By entering your full name below, you indicate that you agree with the following statement:

I certify that all the information provided above is true and that I will strive to use pollinator friendly practices in my garden. I understand that in order to have my pollinator garden approved for the Pollinator Gardens Trail, the Harford County Master Gardeners must inspect and approve the site. If approved, I give permission for the garden to be photographed and used for promotional materials that encourage use of the Pollinator Gardens Trail. I also give permission for the property and garden to be visited and photographed by the general public and that the Harford County Master Gardeners Program will have no control over their usage.

Signature

Site Manager or Business Owner(s) Signature

For assistance with this application or to request a paper copy, please contact:

Pollinator Gardens Trail of Harford County
Harford County Agricultural Center
3525 Conowingo Road, Ste.700
Street, MD 21154

harfmg@gmail.com, ATTN: PGT.

(410) 638-3255

The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Application adapted, with permission, from source: Bjorklund, N., Ph.d., Frogge, M.J., Cue, K., and Evans, S. Nebraska Pollinator Habitat Assessment. https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/nebraska-pollinator- habitat-certification/.

Suggested Plant List

Print Application

Have Further Questions?

Visit our contact page for ways to reach out to us. We’re here to help you on your journey!

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