ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 8, 2025) ~ ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 8, 2025) - The Maryland Department of Agriculture's Maryland's Best program has joined forces with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, University of Maryland Extension, and the Maryland Native Plant Society to launch the Maryland Native Plants Program. This program aims to educate and encourage consumers to purchase native plants from authorized retailers.

The program will certify retailers through a voluntary application process and provide them with a logo to display, making it easier for consumers to identify and purchase native plants. "Native plants are growing in demand," stated Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. "We want to ensure that Marylanders can easily find retailers who are committed to selling these beneficial plants."

To become certified, nurseries must go through an application process where their inventory lists are verified against the "Commercial Maryland Native Plant List". This ensures that consumers are purchasing plants that are not only native to their region but also provide proven benefits. The program was developed from legislation passed in 2024 with the goal of increasing awareness about the importance and benefits of using native plants in landscaping.

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In addition, the legislation provided for a full-time staff member at the University of Maryland Extension - a Native Plants & Landscapes Specialist - who will be responsible for educating both consumers and growers. By combining efforts with the university and the Maryland Native Plant Society, the program hopes to consolidate resources for both consumers and nurseries. Ultimately, they aim to raise awareness about incorporating native plants into local gardens and landscapes.

The application period for the Maryland's Best Native Plants program opened in February and has already certified 18 nurseries. Any nursery interested in joining can do so at any time by visiting Marylandsbest.net. Certification is free, but all certified nurseries must have at least 20 percent of their inventory dedicated to native plants (excluding houseplants and vegetable plants). Consumers are encouraged to visit the website and purchase from certified retailers. The website also offers resources and tips for selecting the best native plants for one's yard.

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Lisa Kuder, Native Plants & Landscape Specialist at University of Maryland Extension, emphasized the importance of native plants in maintaining healthy ecosystems. "Folks like Doug Tallamy, Heather Holms, and Rebecca McCracken have shared this message in a way that resonates with people," she said. "They've shown how all of us, through small actions, can make a meaningful difference." Kuder also highlighted the benefits of incorporating native plants in residential and commercial landscapes, such as supporting wildlife and mitigating biodiversity loss.

According to Kuder, the Maryland Native Plant Program is likely the first of its kind in the nation. "We look forward to supporting the nursery and landscape industries in making native plants the norm, not the exception," she said. "While increasing demand for natives through education and demonstrations of their beauty and vital function."

For any questions or inquiries about participating in the program or purchasing from certified retailers, Kristin Hanna, Maryland's Best Director of Special Projects can be reached at kristin.hanna@maryland.gov. With this new program in place, Marylanders can easily access and support local retailers who are committed to promoting and selling beneficial native plants.

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