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Join the SMART Scapes Program

Residents can learn about maintaining and enhancing their landscape through proper planning. The program includes a site visit by trained Master Gardener volunteers. Master Gardener teams educate homeowners on best management practices for a beautiful, healthy and sustainable landscape. This includes a focus on conservation practices to restore and protect our local watersheds, reducing the use of water, fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides.

The volunteers will evaluate and answer site specific questions regarding your property, such as:

  • Why are the plants in my yard not thriving?  
  • What plants will grow well in my area of Henrico County?  
  • What plants are on my property and how do I take care of them?  
  • How can I improve the sustainability of my landscape?  
  • How can I create habitat for beneficial wildlife like birds & bees?

A $10 fee covers the cost of supplies, materials and personalized guide. This program typically runs from April 1 to October 15 each year.

Please note that turf grasses will not be addressed in this program. If you would like an assessment of your turf, please register with the SMART Lawns through our office separately. 

This program is only available to residents of Henrico County.

Additional Program Details:

As a participant in this program, you will be contacted by trained VCE Master Gardener volunteers who will review your registration application and coordinate a date for your site assessment. The Master Gardeners will then visit your landscape and help you identify landscape problems, show you how to maintain healthy trees and plantings, and advise you on installation of new trees and plantings.

This visit will last approximately one hour. Soil sampling will not be included with the visit, but you will be provided with a soil sampling kit that you can submit on your own. The Master Gardeners will prepare a reference folder customized for your landscape, which will include a map of your property, fact sheets on current plantings, general gardening information for our area, and more. Program participants will also receive the book “Native Plants for Virginia’s Capital Region: Plant RVA Natives A Capital Idea!”

For specific lawn and garden questions, please feel free to “Ask Extension.”

Let us help you get started toward a beautiful, healthy landscape today. It’s the SMART thing to do and enrollment is easy!

  1. Complete the 2023 SMART Scapes Enrollment Form.  Please also refer to the SMART Scapes brochure. (Enrollment is closed at this time.)
  2. Attach a check or money order made payable to: Henrico Master Gardener Fund.
  3. Mail or hand-deliver your enrollment form and check to:
    Henrico Extension Office
    8600 Dixon Powers Drive
    (Human Services Building, 2nd Floor)
    P. O. Box 90775
    Henrico, VA 23273-0775