A Nature-Based Landscaping Guide for Martha's Vineyard
Nature Based Landscaping Guide for Homeowners and Landscapers
Use this full guide to learn about the diverse and beautiful plants native to Martha’s Vineyard and available for gardens and landscapes.
It includes information on why to plant local and reduce lawn size, details about our top 20 native plants, where to begin, how to care for native plants, what not to plant, sample garden designs, and much more.
Apply these guidelines to support nature-based landscaping and encourage others to join the “Plant Local” movement.
Download the Nature Based Landscaping Guide for Homeowners and Landscapers
Nature-Based Landscaping Guide
Quick Guides
Print and bring use these guides on the go to help you identify native plants to purchase and use in landscapes, and identify ones to avoid or remove.
Quick guide for homeowners - English
Quick guide for homeowners - Portuguese
Additional Island Resources
Additional local resources to help you become a nature based landscaper.
Polly Hill Arboretum’s List of Native Plants: Complete list of plants native to Martha’s Vineyard. https://www.pollyhillarboretum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MV-Native-Plants-List.pdf
Vineyard Lawn: Tips on how to care for lawns the island way - with no pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, and only occasional watering. https://vineyardconservation.org/vineyard-lawns/
Natural Neighbors: For a free visit and consultation to support your property and interest in nature that benefits plants, pollinators, and wildlife. https://biodiversityworksmv.org/programs-projects/natural-neighbors/
MV Wildtype: To buy plants grown from seeds collected from the island’s plant populations. https://www.pollyhillarboretum.org/plants/plant-conservation/
MV Atlas of Life: Share, observe, and learn plants, insects, fish, animals, and other wildlife on Martha’s Vineyard. https://mval.biodiversityworksmv.org/
Other Resources
Additional information and resources to support nature-based landscaping.
Native Plant Trust Plant Finder: You can find plants adapted to the island by selecting “Atlanta Coastal Pine Barrens” under Ecoregion. https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/Plant-Search
State's invasive list: The list of plants that cause economic or environmental harm in Massachusetts. https://massnrc.org/mipag/invasive.htm
USDA Forest Service Climate Change Atlas: Learn how different trees are anticipated to fare in a changing climate. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/atlas/tree/
UMass Amherst - Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory: Learn about your soil by asking questions and sending the sample to the lab. https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory