Blame it on the rain

Blame it On the Rain
by Julia Levitt
March 2009

http://wholelifetimes.com/2009/03/oor_raingarden.html

Throughout most of modern history people have treated rainwater like a nuisance to be flushed away. As a result, our roads, driveways, gutters and storm sewers now channel millions of gallons of polluted water right into the ocean every time it rains.

But smart landscaping choices are helping to keep our treasured waterways free of toxins, while adding a touch of beauty to the local landscape. The best part: Set your system up right, and nature will happily do most of the work.

Rain gardens are an elegant, effective solution that even non-green thumbs can tackle. Nestled into shallow depressions in the ground, rain gardens are designed to attract H20 directly from a runoff point (like a driveway), soak it up and filter toxins out naturally through a water-friendly mix of rich compost and hardy native plants. These gardens help stop flooding, recharge local groundwater supplies with clean water, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Here in LA, our sensitive climate makes it even more important to be smart about rainwater. That’s why the members of local organization TreePeople (treepeople.org) have made it their mission to teach and inspire people to help care for the urban greenscape. Visit TreePeople’s La Kretz Urban Watershed Demonstration Garden to see beautiful examples of natural water-friendly landscaping solutions, from rain barrels to bioswales. With alternatives this lovely and low-maintenance, you’ll be waving buh-bye to your labor-intensive lawn by summer!