Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Creating Better School Environments: Our 2026 Gardens for Grades School Grants

Creating Better School Environments

At Allentuck Landscaping CO., we believe landscaping can do more than make a property look better. It can improve how people feel about the places where they live, work and learn. That belief is at the heart of our Gardens for Grade School Grants initiative—last week, we had the opportunity to continue that effort at three North Potomac elementary schools: Travilah, Stone Mill and Dufief Elementary Schools.

Creating Better School EnvironmentsThrough this year’s service, our team donated the time, labor and expertise needed to give each school’s landscape some well-deserved attention. The work included garden cleanups, bed edging, pruning and mulching, helping restore a clean, polished appearance to the grounds and giving the gardens a fresh start for the school year ahead.

Why School Landscapes Matter

A school’s physical environment can have a meaningful impact on the people who spend their days there. Before a student ever walks into a classroom, they experience the school grounds –the sidewalks, gardens, trees, buildings and outdoor spaces that surround them.

We believe a beautiful, well-maintained landscape helps create a positive first impression. More importantly, it can contribute to an environment where students feel welcomed, cared for and ready to begin their day.

That’s the simple idea behind Gardens for Grade School Grants.

We’re not trying to create elaborate landscapes. Sometimes, a little pruning, a clean garden bed, a defined edge and a fresh layer of mulch can make a tremendous difference. It’s about taking care of the places where our community’s children learn and grow.

Investing in Our Community

Community involvement has always been an important part of who we are at Allentuck Landscaping Co. One of our Core Values is being a positive influence in our communities, and Gardens for Grade School Grants gives our team a tangible way to put that value into action.

Our employees get to do what they do best—care for landscapes—while contributing their time and skills to schools right here in the communities we serve. There is something especially rewarding about working on a school landscape. These are places that belong to the entire community. Thousands of students, teachers, staff members and parents pass through their grounds each year.

If the work we do helps make their school experience just a little more welcoming, then it’s time well spent.

Creating Better School Environments

A Fresh Start for the School Year

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, the gardens at Travilah, Stone Mill and Dufief Elementary Schools are looking their best. The beds are cleaned up, edges are defined, plants have been pruned and fresh mulch gives everything a finished appearance.

But for us, the real value of this work goes beyond how the landscapes look.

We believe beautiful spaces can help create better experiences—and that improving the places where children learn is one small way we can help improve their lives.

Were proud to continue Gardens for Grade Schools Grants and grateful to the schools and their communities for allowing us to contribute. We look forward to seeing these gardens grow—and to continuing to find ways to make a positive difference in the communities we call home.

Improving Lives Through Landscaping.

Other Blog Posts of Interest:

Spotted Lanternfly in Rockville Area: What It Means for Your Landscape and Garden

7 Front Walkway Ideas To Make Your Home More Welcoming

At Allentuck Landscaping Company, our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.

The Allentuck Landscaping Company team has been delighting homeowners in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Company, we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.

Services Provide – Master Landscape Plans, Complete Maintenance Programs, Plantings, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, Water Features, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Kitchens, Trellises & Pergolas, Irrigation Systems, Drainage Solutions, Grading & Sodding. Fire Pits & Fire Places, Spring Clean Ups, Decks, Fences

Areas Served – Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Travilah, Damascus, Boyds, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick and Washington DC.

Allentuck Landscaping Co. is a proud member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals and MyLandscapeAcademy.

Allentuck Landscaping Co.
13711 Travilah Rd, Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 515-1900

Top July Garden Tips: Keep Your Landscape Thriving Through the Summer Heat

July is when your landscape earns its paycheck and these July Garden Tips are designed to help it do just that. The excitement of spring has faded, the summer heat has settled in, and your plants are working overtime just to stay healthy. If you’ve done the right things up to this point, your landscape should still be looking great. But if you ignore it now, July has a way of exposing every weak spot. The good news? A few

READ MORE »

Pool Landscaping Ideas: How to Create an Outdoor Living Space You’ll Love

When homeowners think about improving their outdoor space, it’s easy to focus on a single feature—a pool, patio, fire pit, pergola, or seating area. But the most successful landscapes are about much more than individual elements. They’re about creating spaces that encourage relaxation, bring people together, connect us with nature, and make it easier to enjoy time outdoors. At Allentuck Landscaping, we frequently hear questions from homeowners about how to create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional based

READ MORE »

Top June Garden Tips: What Your Landscape Needs Right Now

June is where the honeymoon ends. Back in April and May, everything looked fresh, green, and full of promise. Now? The sun’s hotter, the weeds are pushy, and your garden’s either thriving—or starting to spiral. This is the part of the season where small moves make a big difference. That’s why we’ve pulled together these Top June Garden Tips—real strategies, no fluff—to help you keep things looking great (without spending every weekend knee-deep in mulch). 1. Water Smarter, Not More

READ MORE »

Front Walkway Ideas That Boost Curb Appeal (With Real Budget Ranges)

Your Front Walkway Sets the Tone for Your Home Your front walkway is more than just a path—it’s the first impression of your home. It guides guests to your door, improves safety, and plays a major role in curb appeal. The question most homeowners ask:What does a front walkway cost—and what can I actually get for my budget? Below, we break down popular front walkway ideas, realistic budget ranges, and what drives pricing so you can plan with confidence. What

READ MORE »

This Is 40: The Story of Allentuck Landscaping 40th Anniversary

In 1986, Allentuck Landscaping Co. was founded on something simple: hard work and the desire to build something meaningful. But the story starts even earlier. When Bruce was just 15 years old, he and his best friends wanted to work. They started a small neighborhood business—“Odd Jobs Unlimited”—mowing lawns and taking on whatever projects they could find. At one point, they had nine kids working for them. It was scrappy, resourceful, and fueled by initiative. That entrepreneurial spirit never left.

READ MORE »

Protecting and Caring for Mature Trees in Your Landscape

Mature trees are one of the most valuable elements of any landscape. They provide shade, seasonal beauty, habitat for wildlife, and a sense of character that simply can’t be replicated overnight. But while trees often appear strong and self-sufficient, they benefit greatly from thoughtful care—especially when landscaping projects or property improvements are involved. With the right approach, you can protect the health of your trees while enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Why Mature Trees Deserve Special

READ MORE »