Rain Garden Project
Would you like to make your yard look nice and help the local environment without a large investment? Let me encourage you to consider installing a rain garden.
What is a rain garden? It is a garden of deep-rooted, perennial plants that is placed in a location in your yard where it can catch and hold stormwater runoff. They can be simple and low-cost to install, low maintenance (especially after the first year), and can take on many shapes, sizes, and designs. Not only do these gardens spruce up your yard, they are a working garden, helping improve the local environment.
Utilizing these deep rooted ornamental and native plants to filter and slow runoff they aid in:
- solving common drainage problems
- reducing runoff of sediments and pollutants
- controlling localized flooding
- recharging groundwater supplies
- attracting birds and butterflies
- controlling soil erosion and gully formation
- reducing the required maintenance
of a lawn
In order to help inform local residents and businesses how they can protect local water quality while landscaping their lawns through the installation of a rain garden, the Clay County Conservation District plans to host an evening tour and program in the last week of April. The tentative event will include a meal, program and guest speaker. The issue of urban water quality will be addressed with the primary focus on installing your own attractive, working rain garden. All are welcome to attend and are asked to make reservations by calling the Conservation District. Details will be announced as the date nears.
If you are interested in learning about rain gardens or think you would like to install one, contact the Conservation District at 632-3550.
