Who we are

Dogs enjoying the yard after a pet friendly mow

Hello! My name is Rob Oakley, Head Gardener here at Nativescapes!

I started Nativescapes because after 13 years in the events and hospitality industry, I began to crave more of a purpose. My years in such a customer-service heavy field allowed me to gain an appreciation for providing exceptional service rooted in transparency, strong communication, and high personal standards. So what was missing? While thankful for the opportunities to manage and lead operations within two non-local small businesses, I regularly felt the lack of a positive impact on my community and truthfully my life.  Nativescapes provides me with the valuable opportunity to increase my presence and impact on our community. It filled the empty garden plot of purpose with the ability to restore native habitats and grow local biodiversity one yard at a time.  


Meadow with wildflowers and native plants. a healthy ecosystem
Butterfly on native wildflower. Pollinators love native flowers.

What’s important to us

(Core Values)

  • Sustainable and Restorative Landscaping Practices

  • Community and Environment Focused 

  • Accessibility to All  

  • Provide Informative and Friendly Services 

  • Equal and Ethical Worker Rights

FAQ

Frederick Maryland native plant options by sunlight.

  • A native plant is one that grows in a region naturally. On this continent, the plants that occurred here prior to European settlement are generally considered native.

  • A non-native plant is one that has been introduced by humans, either intentionally or by accident, to places where the species is not historically native.

  • Invasive plants are non-native species that spread aggressively and displace native plants. Invasive species are usually introduced without associated herbivores and pathogens from their native lands, allowing them to grow and spread unchecked.

  • While Maryland as a whole has a zone range from 5b all the way up to 8a, the three primary counties we service are listed below. When planting we suggest expanding your zone a half step higher to account for climate change over time.

    Frederick Co. - Zone 6a-7a

    Montgomery Co. - Zone 7a-7b

    Howard Co. - Zone 6b-7b

  • While we will almost always suggest a native plant when possible, we understand that your vision for your yard is exactly that, yours. We will absolutely plant non-native species on your property, depending on your end goal we might even suggest some! What we won't do is plant an invasive plant on your property. We believe the negative impact an invasive plant can have on an ecosystem is far to great to justify planting, even if it is a beautiful plant.

  • Absolutely not! While we are more than willing to do a full yard overhaul, that is far from what is required to make an impact! Replacing one small area of lawn or invasive patches with native plants can provide not only an attractive and sustainable landscape, but also essential food and shelter for native butterflies, birds, and pollinators. For the best wildlife habitat benefits, we recommend a diverse layering of native plant species.

  • Yes! We provide weekly and bi-weekly lawn care services for Frederick Co only currently. Call or email to see about route availability and schedule a free estimate.