FAQs
I want to learn more about expanding or starting a garden in my yard…
1.What kind of assistance does this program offer interested gardeners?
CEI offers community members in Howard County, MD assistance with planning and installing gardens that transform their lawns into pollinator gardens and food growing spaces. This includes a consultation on the property to determine the many factors that will help a gardener get started with transforming their lawn including; sunlight, access to water, protection from pests, and more! The Fall of 2021 is the launch of the Nourishing Gardens pilot program. CEI hopes to expand services in future program years to include offering garden maintenance packages, collection and distribution of food donations from gardeners who may grow more food than their families can use each week, and a broader range of customizable garden options.
2.Does CEI offer services to maintain gardens as well as install them?
As CEI launches its pilot program in Fall 2021, we will not be able to offer maintenance packages, however we hope that over time and as we grow the program, regular maintenance packages will be a part of our program offerings.
3.What is the process for expressing interest in the program and finding out more about the total cost to transform my lawn?
Gardeners interested in more information about the program or that would like to express interest in assistance with transforming their gardens should submit a gardener interest form. Starting in September 2021, a CEI team member will reach out to interested gardeners to learn more about their needs and schedule an onsite consultation.
4.How much does it cost to participate in the program as a gardener?
More information about cost of installation and garden options will be added to the CEI Nourishing Gardens website during the months of August and early September. Watch for more information, coming soon on our Nourishing Gardens webpage!
5.If my income is too limited to purchase services, can I still access your gardening services?
CEI would like to make gardens available to as many community members as possible without regard to income. If you are living on a limited income, please contact us (Nourishing Gardens Program Coordinator, Theresa Taylor ttaylor@cei.earth) for more information, and we’ll be happy to see how we may be able to help you get started with gardening!
6.Do I need to own my property to participate in the program?
CEI is committed to making gardens available to as many community members as possible. In the event that you rent, we’d be happy to explore options for patio, deck, or balcony gardening that may meet your needs as a renter.
7.Can CEI help me to expand what is already growing in my yard?
Absolutely! CEI is happy to explore what you already have growing in your yard, and make recommendations for plant or garden bed structures that may continue to cultivate joyful moments in your yard space! Please share any additional information about your interests on our gardener interest form.
8.I live in an area with an HOA, how does that work?
Many homeowners associations have specific requirements for review and approval of amendments homeowners make to their properties, including yards. Please note that you are a part of an HOA in your gardener interest form and CEI will assist you by providing information you may need to submit to your HOA or architectural committee. All work requiring HOA review and approval will need to be scheduled after the homeowner receives HOA approval. Homeowners are responsible for the HOA submission and approval process.
9.I live outside of Howard County, can I still participate in the program as a gardener?
If you live in a county neighboring Howard County and are interested in the Nourishing Gardens program, please complete the gardener interest form, and our team will take into consideration your location. We will do our best to serve gardeners interested in the program, whenever possible, and based on our available resources.
10.Are there additional workshops that I can take to learn more about gardening, as well?
CEI will be planning and hosting a number of gardener workshops for gardeners of all experience levels throughout the Fall and Winter. If you have an idea for a workshop that you’d like to request, please contact the Nourishing Gardens Program Coordinator, Theresa Taylor at ttaylor@cei.earth. We look forward to hearing from you!
I want to learn more about expanding or starting a garden in my yard…
1.What kind of assistance does this program offer interested gardeners?
CEI offers community members in Howard County, MD assistance with planning and installing gardens that transform their lawns into pollinator gardens and food growing spaces. This includes a consultation on the property to determine the many factors that will help a gardener get started with transforming their lawn including; sunlight, access to water, protection from pests, and more! The Fall of 2021 is the launch of the Nourishing Gardens pilot program. CEI hopes to expand services in future program years to include offering garden maintenance packages, collection and distribution of food donations from gardeners who may grow more food than their families can use each week, and a broader range of customizable garden options.
2.Does CEI offer services to maintain gardens as well as install them?
As CEI launches its pilot program in Fall 2021, we will not be able to offer maintenance packages, however we hope that over time and as we grow the program, regular maintenance packages will be a part of our program offerings.
3.What is the process for expressing interest in the program and finding out more about the total cost to transform my lawn?
Gardeners interested in more information about the program or that would like to express interest in assistance with transforming their gardens should submit a gardener interest form. Starting in September 2021, a CEI team member will reach out to interested gardeners to learn more about their needs and schedule an onsite consultation.
4.How much does it cost to participate in the program as a gardener?
More information about cost of installation and garden options will be added to the CEI Nourishing Gardens website during the months of August and early September. Watch for more information, coming soon on our Nourishing Gardens webpage!
5.If my income is too limited to purchase services, can I still access your gardening services?
CEI would like to make gardens available to as many community members as possible without regard to income. If you are living on a limited income, please contact us (Nourishing Gardens Program Coordinator, Theresa Taylor ttaylor@cei.earth) for more information, and we’ll be happy to see how we may be able to help you get started with gardening!
6.Do I need to own my property to participate in the program?
CEI is committed to making gardens available to as many community members as possible. In the event that you rent, we’d be happy to explore options for patio, deck, or balcony gardening that may meet your needs as a renter.
7.Can CEI help me to expand what is already growing in my yard?
Absolutely! CEI is happy to explore what you already have growing in your yard, and make recommendations for plant or garden bed structures that may continue to cultivate joyful moments in your yard space! Please share any additional information about your interests on our gardener interest form.
8.I live in an area with an HOA, how does that work?
Many homeowners associations have specific requirements for review and approval of amendments homeowners make to their properties, including yards. Please note that you are a part of an HOA in your gardener interest form and CEI will assist you by providing information you may need to submit to your HOA or architectural committee. All work requiring HOA review and approval will need to be scheduled after the homeowner receives HOA approval. Homeowners are responsible for the HOA submission and approval process.
9.I live outside of Howard County, can I still participate in the program as a gardener?
If you live in a county neighboring Howard County and are interested in the Nourishing Gardens program, please complete the gardener interest form, and our team will take into consideration your location. We will do our best to serve gardeners interested in the program, whenever possible, and based on our available resources.
10.Are there additional workshops that I can take to learn more about gardening, as well?
CEI will be planning and hosting a number of gardener workshops for gardeners of all experience levels throughout the Fall and Winter. If you have an idea for a workshop that you’d like to request, please contact the Nourishing Gardens Program Coordinator, Theresa Taylor at ttaylor@cei.earth. We look forward to hearing from you!