Outdoor spaces and gardens
Lighting
Both the Fauquier and Loudoun County Zoning Ordinances include language to limit light pollution for several reasons. Part of the joy of rural living is the night sky and ability to see the stars clearly. Excess lighting also has a negative impact on nocturnal wildlife, including disrupting their reproductive, feeding, and migratory habits. According to Dark Sky, the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide, best outdoor lighting practices are:
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All lighting should have a clear purpose: Consider if a light is really needed and what area it will impact.
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Carefully aim lighting so that it points downward and does not spill beyond its targeted area.
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Use the lowest level of light required.
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Use motion detectors or timers to ensure light is only available when needed.
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Limit the amount of shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light and use warmer colors when possible.
Pest Control
Living in a rural setting means you will have encounters with wildlife, both good and bad, on a regular basis. Take precautions to ensure larger animals like raccoons, foxes, opossums, coyotes, and bears don’t have access to household trash or pet food, and they will generally keep their distance. For smaller pests, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are recommended to reduce overall pesticide use and provide practical, cost-effective solutions that protect people, animals, and the environment.
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Major components of any IPM program include pest identification, population monitoring and damage assessment, determination of when management action is needed, and prevention. The goal is not always to eliminate, but to reduce levels to an acceptable range. For specific advice and further information, reach out to your Virginia Cooperative Extension Office.
Virginia Cooperative Extension – Fauquier Office
https://www.fauquier.ext.vt.edu/
24 Pelham Street Warrenton, VA 20186
(540) 341-7950
Virginia Cooperative Extension – Loudoun Office
https://www.loudoun.ext.vt.edu/
750 Miller Drive Southeast, Suite F3 Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 777-0373
Gardening
The best way to enjoy your property is to create an outdoor space that reflects your style and use. Gardening is a broad term and whether you have a passion for growing food or flowers, want low or high maintenance plants, your local Master Gardeners Association can be an excellent resource. Master Gardeners are trained volunteer educators through Virginia Tech and their local Virginia Extension Office. They provide a variety of services including Help Desk support, lawn care guidance, facilitate the Audubon at Home Wildlife Sanctuary program, host educational clinics, and maintain demonstration gardens for homeowners to gather ideas. Their mission is to help members of the public achieve their gardening goals. You might discover your new passion and become a Master Gardener yourself!
Master Gardeners of Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties
https://www.mgfrc.org
(540) 341-7950
tohlwile@vt.edu
Loudoun Master Gardeners
https://loudouncountymastergardeners.org
(703) 771-5150
loudounmg@vt.edu
For more experienced gardeners looking to deepen their skills, the Oak Spring Garden Foundation offers courses, workshops, and fellowships. Hosted at the former property of Paul and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, they have a mission to support and inspire fresh thinking and bold action on the history and future of plants, including the art and culture of plants, gardens and landscapes.
Oak Spring Garden Foundation
https://www.osgf.org
1776 Loughborough Ln Upperville, VA 20184
(540) 592-3159
Importance of Native Species
As you consider plants for your gardens and assess what existing plants to keep or remove around your property, knowing and understanding how these plants interact with the environment is critical. Native plants, defined as plants that have evolved to occur naturally in a particular region, provide food and habitat for wildlife, are easier to maintain, and don’t invade the landscape, escaping to where they can be destructive. There are two wonderful groups to reach out to for advice on removing non-native invasive plants and promoting native species on your property. Both offer free, on-site visits for customized advice. The Clifton Institute’s mission is to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature, to study the ecology of our region, to restore habitat, and to conserve native biodiversity.
The Clifton Institute
https://www.cliftoninstitute.org/
6712 Blantyre Road Warrenton, VA 20187
Blue Ridge PRISM works to reduce the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystems of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas through regional and statewide advocacy, landowner support, implementing control measures, and public education.
Blue Ridge PRISM
https://www.blueridgeprism.org
PO Box 119 White Hall, VA 22987
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is another important resource to explore how to support native species. It is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and services dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
VMN Banshee Reeks Chapter
http://www.vmnbansheereeks.org
PO Box 1102 Leesburg, VA 20177