This article first appeared in the Summer 2005 issue of the Ecological Landscaper; Paul has provided an update for 2012. by Paul Kwiatkowski In this age of reckless consumption of resources and pollution without shame, conservation is vital. The numbers of individuals and businesses that embrace conservation are growing, but America is still lagging in…
Rain Gardens
Small Residential Rainwater Harvesting Project: A Hands-on Community Eco-Workshop
by Mary Flodin ELA sponsored a series of three hands-on eco-workshops in Santa Cruz, CA, during the fall of 2011; each presented by a different local landscaper: Native Plants: The Low Tech Landscape Water Conserving Solution, Darrin Miller of Central Coast Wild; Greywater Clarified, Ken Foster of Terranova; and Rainwater Harvesting, Golden Love of Love’s…
Donation of Materials, Passion, and Time = A Beautiful and Functional Rain Garden at a Public Housing Residence
by Amanda Sloan Early on a bright day in April, a diverse group gathered in Providence, Rhode Island in one of the most urban areas of the city – the Manton Heights public housing residences. Winding their way to a rear corner of the complex were staff from the environmental organization Groundwork Providence, driving a…
Designing Ornamental Gardens for Highly Effective Stormwater Infiltration
by Kevin Beuttell This article is reprinted with the author’s permission from a handout provided at the ELA Conference held on March 3, 2011. Stormwater infiltration gardens, also known as bioretention gardens or rain gardens, are a key feature of comprehensive sustainable stormwater management strategies. Despite their proven environmental benefits, however, many people are reluctant…
What is a rain garden?
by Ed Himlan A rain garden is a small natural area that helps to cleanse stormwater before it flows into brooks and ponds. Rain gardens, also called bioretention areas, allow stormwater from impervious surfaces, such as streets and driveways, to soak into the ground.
