Newsletter v 2.1 - Winter 2007                                                                v1.1, v2.1, v2.2, v3.1, v3.2, v4.1

Green Options ----- On-Site

Making the decision to retain rainwater on your property isn’t as hard as you might think. Depending on your budget and your needs you might choose to start by disconnecting your downspouts, then adding a rain barrel or perhaps a rain garden to hold and soak a large amount of rainwater.

If you have limited yard space and a flat or shallow roof you might think about installing a green roof or roof garden. Or if you have a large amount of pavement you should think about replacing it in time with brick or another impervious surface.

Even though we have rain garden in our name we try not to promote one option over another because each situation is different and individuals need to select the best option, technique or practice to suit their specific situation, as well as, their available budget and the desired final outcome.

Leave plant stalks and grasses standing throughout the winter to add structure and create habitat.

Leave plant stalks and grasses standing throughout

the winter to add structure and create habitat.

Rain Gardens in Winter

If the ground isn’t frozen your garden will still infiltrate water, but perhaps at a slower rate. The plants will be dormant but the soil that you so carefully prepared will continue soak up water from melting snow. Salt in the garden is the only concern now so try to protect the garden from street salt.

Planning Projects for the New Season

No one knows what the weather will be like this year but wet or dry, rain gardens perform various jobs that conserve and protect freshwater. In dry weather established rain gardens search out water in the ground, reducing the need to use municipal water. In wet weather rain gardens collect and hold water, reducing local flooding.

Rain Garden Network is always looking for ways to bring rain garden program opportunities to you and your community. Different options work for different situations. Perhaps a preliminary program involving workshops and plant sales is needed to get your neighborhood or local community started. Or maybe a full program involving education, material, municipal funding and community participation is better for residents who would appreciate incentives and assistance.

Start your planning now! Let us help you.

Building the Network

“This is exciting!” That’s what we hear from people we meet. We hear it from people at speaking engagements and exhibit halls. We hear it from long time gardeners and people who’ve never touched trowel. The people we meet understand the problem and love the solution. And they’re excited that they can participate.

By combining simple, proven and inexpensive solutions with effective awareness, education & outreach tools homeowners can learn how to reduce local flooding and urban stormwater pollution while improving water quality and beautifying their neighborhoods.

Photo of the Month

Rain garden with rain chain in the front yard of a graystone in Chicago.

On the Website
Rain garden studies

Municipal Sewer information

Visit the new and updated Rain Garden Photo Gallery

Rain garden articles Oct. - Dec 2006

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Questions or comments? Email us at info@raingardennetwork.com