Learn how to beautify your yard and help keep streams healthy! Ed Himlan of the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition will present a slideshow on the design and benefits of rain gardens. The workshop will be at the Unitarian Church, 220 Main St, Northampton.
Rain gardens attract birds and butterflies, while protecting local streams and ponds. These gardens are planted with flowers, shrubs and grasses that are easy to maintain and thrive without fertilizers and pesticides. The slideshow will explain where to place a rain garden, how to select plants and how to keep the garden flourishing as a beautiful accent for your home or business.
Storm runoff is a big problem as forests and fields are replaced by buildings, parking and hard surfaces. Rain garden plants and soils filter storm water and recycle nutrients that can harm water quality. The bowl-shape design also allows rain to recharge the groundwater that keeps streams and ponds healthy during dry times.
Rain gardens can be placed in sunny or shady locations, and there are many plants that supply food and habitat for wildlife. These natural areas make yards more attractive and nurture mini-ecosystems that you can enjoy watching.
The workshop will also explain other easy ways to reduce runoff including porous paving, infiltration trenches and groundcover buffers. Participants will receive a free Pocket Guide with helpful tips about rain gardens and other runoff remedies. A shorter version of this Guide can also be downloaded here.
The July 8th workshop is sponsored by the Hampden & Hampshire Conservation Districts. The program is free thanks to your support for the District Plant Sale over the years. For more information, contact Elaine Williamson or you may visit our event page.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.