Rain Garden Network Newsletter v4.2 – Early Spring 2009

                     v1.1, v2.1, v2.2, v3.1, v3.2, v4.1, v4.2

Soon . . .

Soon it will be warm enough to plant your new rain garden. But for those of us who planted our rain gardens last year or before there is a bit of work to do. Start by removing any dead material, especially the stalks and stems of plants that no long have seeds on them. You might wish to keep the nice layer on mulch and leaves on the bottom of the rain garden still because you never know when you’ll get a late snow or frost. As it gets warmer and the threat of the last Winter snow and frost becomes less you can then remove the leaves, older mulch and garden debris. It might be necessary to rake the garden out and reform the bowl area so the garden holds as much water as possible. Then replenish the mulch and rake it around evenly throughout the garden.

Look for spots where plants have died or are not growing well. They might need to be replaced or moved. As the growing season continues you might notice that some plants produce too many seeds or are too aggressive. Harvesting some of the seeds in the Autumn helps to reduce this problem.

Advocacy for "On-Site" Solutions and Green Infrastructure

Advocacy - "Acting on behalf of an issue and/or to protect and advance an idea"

Rain Garden Network is working hard to advocate for the use of all types of green, “on-site” solutions to reduce or eliminate polluted stormwater runoff. On-site solutions are actions that can be taken by homeowners to capture rainwater after it has hit the ground but before it flows to the street and sewer and becomes contaminated stormwater. We work with all types of people who have the desire and ability to take action.

• Homeowners
• Community and municipal leaders
• Watershed groups
• Schools
• Community gardeners
• Faith groups
• Neighborhood associations and block clubs
• More

Why keep rainwater from becoming stormwater

This is why it is important to keep clean rainwater on your property and do all you can to keep from becoming stormwater.

Does your community have overflow information? http://www.raingardennetwork.com/munisewer.htm

Email us with that information.

New “Join the Network” section - post your project

Visit CitizenSolution.info

“Building Sustainable Neighborhoods”

This is a place where all people, no matter your community, no matter your profession, can learn tips and techniques that will improve your household and your neighborhood.

We think that being sustainable is more than just dealing with energy issues. Neighborhoods and households face challenges and want answers for common issues such as: everyday pollution in their streets, greening their landscape, conserving water, choosing transportation alternatives, planning for household recycling, waste reduction, eating well and where to shop locally.

We are looking for interested people and interesting stories. Please feel free to visit the site, post your videos and email your thoughts as they relate to your life as an environmental “expert”.

Questions or comments? Email us at info@citizensolution.info