A. All native plants
B. Selected for your particular site conditions
C. Drought tolerant
D. Beautiful and exotic
Correct Answer B: The best plants for a landscape are those which are chosen for your specific site conditions. Native plants are often the best choice and generally require little maintenance when planted under appropriate soil, light and climatic conditions. Not all native plants are drought tolerant, since some are adapted to wet areas. Plants grown under inappropriate conditions will not be as hardy, causing them to grow poorly and be more susceptible to pests. Choose plants that match your site's soil conditions, sunlight and water availability. Find plants suitable for your yard's conditions by using the National Gardening Assocation's Plant Finder.
2) You can save water in a landscape by:
A. Using rainbarrels
B. Adding mulch
C. Grouping plants by their maintenace needs
D. All of the aboveCorrect Answer D: All of these methods will help you to save water in a landscape. Additional information about saving water in the landscape can be found on the Wise Water Use Page from the City of Fairfax.
3) At what height should you mow your lawn?
A. It depends on the grass species
B. 1"-2"
C. 3" -4"
D. As short as possible
Correct Answer A: Grass should be mowed at the highest height that is right for the grass species. Mowing grass high encourages the root system to grow deeper, which keeps the grass healthy and helps it to withstand drought better. For more information, see Mow Like a Pro
4) If plants or grass look yellow, you should always add fertilizer
A. True
B. False
Correct Answer B. False: The greater your use of chemicals around the home such as fertilizers, pesticides, engine oils, de-icing materials, etc., the more degraded the stormwater runoff from your property will be. For more information about appropriate lawn fertilization, read Home Lawn Fertilization
5) How should you clean up fertilizer spills in your driveway?
A. Rinse it off with a hose
B. Sweep it back into the landscape
C. Blow it into the street
D. Leave it for the next rain
Correct Answer B: Sweeping fertilizer granules onto grass or landscaped areas is the best way to help prevent them from leaving your yard.Keep fertilizer and other potential pollutants off of driveways and sidewalks where they can wash into the street and pollute water bodies. For more ways to help protect our waterways, read: How citizens can help to protect the city’s streams
6) Which of the following is a benefit of using mulch?
A. Keeps soil temperature uniform
B. Inhibits weed growth
C. Retains moisture in soil
D. All of the above
Correct Answer D: Mulch conserves water, keeps down weeds, and regulates soil temperature. It also protects the ground from erosion and compaction caused by rain and foot traffic. For more information: Mulching, An Organic Way to Recycle
7) Which of the following help create a wildlife friendly landscape?
A. Plants that provide seeds and berries
B. A water source
C. Elimination of pesticides
D. All of the above
Correct Answer D: Birds, butterflies and other wildlife need food, water and shelter to survive. These basic needs can often be met by choosing suitable plants. Remember to eliminate chemicals and keep wandering pets out of your landscape to help keep visiting wildlife safe. For more information about creating wildlife friendly landscapes, visit Maryland's Wild Acres.
8 ) You should apply pesticides at the first sign of insect damage.
A. True
B. False
Correct Answer B. False: Choosing correct plants (see #1 above) and keeping them healthy by following proper irrigation, fertilization, pruning and mowing practices will help eliminate many insect problems. However, if pest damage does occur, don't be in a rush to apply pesticides, which can harm the environment. Consult a local Master Gardener clinic with help identifying insects and possible environmentally friendly pest control methods. Maryland Master Gardeners, Virginia Master Gardeners, Master Gardeners in Other Locations
9) Which of the following will help control pest insects?
A. Keeping plants healthy to better withstand attack
B. Insectidical soap
C. Handpicking
D. Beneficial insects
E. All of the
Correct Answer E: All of these methods are environmentally friendly forms of insect contol. For more information, read this information on Integrated Pest Management
10) Gutter downspouts should NOT be directed to:
A. Rain barrels
B. Lawns
C. Your drivewayD. Plant beds
Correct Answer C: Direct downspouts to porous areas where the water has a place to collect before soaking into the ground. If water from downspouts is directed onto driveways it contributes to stormwater runoff that ultimately pollutes our water bodies. More about Water Pollution Causes and Effects
