Watershed Stewardship Program's Wildlife & Rain Garden Blog

This section of the garden is designed to capture heavier flows from larger areas of impervious surfaces. Here's a progression from what it was ten years ago to what it is now. Site of rain garden. Turf-covered area prior to installation, 2004 Installing added storm water holding capacity, similar to a french drain, 2005 First plantings 2005-06 January 14, 2015 Winter cover for birds  February 12, 2015 Winter cover removed as new sprouts appear March 12, 2015 April 14, 2015  April 20, 2015 April 23, 2015 Thinning the swamp, hairy, and narrow-leafed sunflower into groupings allows for better air circulation, and healthier growth. Also in the channel are Joe Pye Weed, various species of goldenrod and milkweed, Ironweed, Swamp Hibiscus, and Cardinal Flower. In bloom this week!  Green and Gold  Wild Geranium Grancy Graybeard  Crossvine  Pipevine  Spiderwart  Oakleaf Hydrangea Coral H

  Residential Rain Garden; Weekly Photo Points from February 19, March 18, and April 14 2015- A Comparison  The Residential Rain Garden: In urban environments the natural water cycle is most often an altered system. The rainwater that usually infiltrates the ground is diverted to storm drains by impervious surfaces such as parking lots, rooftops, turf lawns, and other paved areas. The storm water runoff then flows in greater volumes as it enters streams and rivers. This increased flow causes the stream's banks become scoured and eroded, causing sediment to fill in aquatic habitat and increases turbidity.  The rain garden is an appealing remedy that slows water inflow into our streams and helps prevent pollution from entering bodies of surface water. By installing a rain garden on your property, you will be reward with beauty and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping water quality and aquatic organisms. Here's a few pictures of our demonstration rain gard