WaterSavers Neighbor of the Month

Kay and George Maurer of Cape St. Claire have a way of life that speaks lovingly of the natural world.

As soon as you arrive at their driveway, you might notice the little sign that says “Bay Wise,” indicating that landscape practices are in use designed to be helpful to the Chesapeake Bay and waterways. The home was certified in 2009 by the University of Maryland’s Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center. Another little sign out front tells us that “I’m a Clean Energy Home … Powered by Clean Currents.” These days we have an option to purchase wind power through your regular transmission lines!

This month, there’s a third little sign at the Maurers' home that says “WaterSavers Neighbor of the Month” to highlight all the wonderful things they have done to keep from harming the environment.

When George and Kay first bought their home, there was a lot more turf grass and pavement than you’ll see today. The vibrant and beautiful turf grass that remains out front is maintained meticulously by natural methods rather than using pesticides and fertilizers. Weeding by hand and using Organic Milky Spore have helped create a great looking grassy area.

Much more area in the front yard is dedicated to gardens of both native flowering perennials and edible delights, all positioned to intercept and collect rain water. Along with many neighborhood favorites, you’ll see Inkberry bushes, Bay Magnolia, Purple Coneflower, and Tickseed Sunflower. These natives thrive in this climate and our soil conditions, so there’s no need for fertilizing or excessive watering.

One of George’s goals is to offer an “edible landscape.” Allowing for a wildlife friendly environment enhances the circle of life in many ways. There are at least three varieties of native raspberries, so the homeowners can enjoy the flavorful landscape too! Along the driveway, there is an assortment of vegetable plots, which are watered with soaker hoses fed by an array of rain barrels. Rotating the varieties of veggies allows for best use of the soil without having to add nutrients. For example, some plants “fix” nitrogen while others deplete it. So one season, it’s corn, beans and squash, then next is tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.

As you pass through the wooden gates along a stone walkway to the back yard, you’ll pass a lovely water course and rock lined ponding area, which only fills when rains are heavy. This shady glade is populated with Ostrich fern, Woodland Golden Rod, Viburnum and Red Bud. The rear of the property is actually natural woodland itself. Tranquil pathways meander among mature trees, native breeds of Azalea, Woodland Asters and Jewel Bush. The inviting hammock and birdbath accent the relaxing scene.

George has many years of nature stewardship on his resume. He worked for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for 14 years, and did conservation work for three different county governments as well. Now he has his own company, Conservation Partners LLC. The remarkable thing about what happens when you apply all that experience is that the results look effortlessly natural. 

If you or a friend or neighbor have made improvements in your yard you’d like us to see, please respond to this article or reply to the author.