Resources and Information to Assist You
Some Resources To Get You Started.
FAQ
- What’s an edible perennial garden?
- What are the benefits of a raingarden?
- Why should I be concerned with rainwater runoff?
- I only have a small space to work with, can you help?
Even in Minnesota, you can plant edible perennials that return year after year and provide food for you and your family. Plants like Apple Trees, Strawberry, Blueberry, Rhubarb are well known, but others such as Wild Plum, Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea) and Wild Asparagus can also be integrated into your landscape.
Raingardens benefit you as well as the environment. With it’s native plantings that require low maintenance, the garden will increase the curb appeal and thus the value of your property. If you are a commercial owner, raingardens provide stormwater credits that the City requires.
Environmentally, raingardens reduce the potential flooding, drainage problems and standing water from storm events. The gardens will retain the stormwater and filtrate out the pollutants before the water infiltrates back into the groundwater. This will recharge and improve the water quality of the local groundwater. The native plants allows the gardens to survive through the drought seasons and provides habitat to wildlife: butterflies and birds.
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution. As it travels across roads, lawns and other solid surfaces, it collects pollutants such as oil, pesticides, sediment, bacteria, etc which are deposited into our waterways. Water pollution creates unhealthy work, living and playful environments for both people and animals and can cause fish die off. Also, the vast amounts of runoff causes erosion which can change the shape of the landscape which could cause structural issues.
Yes, whether it’s a small garden or patio we can create a design that will suit your needs.