Bachman’s Landscaping Services and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District have partnered to exhibit several display gardens showcasing “green” landscaping options, including two rain gardens, a living wall, permeable pavers and a live green roof.
“It has been a privilege to work with the staff at the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. They share our interests in education and understand the importance of protecting the environment for tomorrow. By demonstrating these best practices we can learn to use less of the earth’s resources and work to help keep Minnesota’s streams and lakes clean.” Dale Bachman, President.
Runoff water contains pollutants that can quickly flow to streams and lakes through the storm sewer system. Rain gardens collect runoff water before it reaches the sewer. Pollutants are removed as water moves through the soil. The plants chosen here can withstand occasional soggy conditions in urban environments. The area excavated to about 3 feet to a sandy layer, then 1 foot of a sandy-loam soil was added.
Native Rain Garden
The native plants in this garden usually thrive with less care than non-native plants or cultivars of natives. The area excavated to about 3 feet to a sandy layer, then 1 foot of a sandy-loam soil was added.
About Rain Gardens
Rain gardens keep runoff water on properties and out of storm drains. A well-designed rain garden allows water to filter through the soil, reducing pollutants such as phosphorus along the way. Rain gardens help with water quality and quantity control, and they reduce erosion by reducing run-off.
The added benefit is a lovely garden of flowers and plants that will tolerate or even thrive in an area that is alternately wet and dry. Rain gardens are increasing in popularity because they are a beautiful way to clean water. Homeowners can learn more about the benefits of rain gardens by visiting the Bachman’s display gardens at Bachman’s on Lyndale.
For more information about what you can do to help keep water clean, visit minnehahacreek.org. Since its formation in 1967, the MCWD has been a regional leader in cutting edge research and technical expertise in the areas of water quality monitoring and management. The district protects, improves and manages water resources, runoff and related natural resources for 129 lakes, 8 major creeks and thousands of wetlands located within the 181 square mile watershed of Minnehaha Creek and Lake Minnetonka, in partnership with 29 communities, other agencies and concerned citizens.
Photos from Rain Garden Days event on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6.
Cookies and beverages compliments of Patrick's Bakery
“The MCWD is proud to partner with Bachman’s to find innovative and attractive ways for homeowners to incorporate storm water into their landscaping. More and more homeowners are asking how they can help protect the environment. The storm water vignettes show how easy and attractive being ‘green’ can be.”
~Eric Evenson, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Administrator
Living Wall
Living walls save on heating and cooling costs, reduce storm water runoff, and provide a sound barrier. The system used on this wall consists of 20" x 20" panels planted primarily with sedum.
Green Roof
Green roofs are now being installed on some residential and commercial buildings to reduce storm water runoff and to save on heating and cooling costs. The "Live Roof" system used on this roof consists of 12" x 24" x 4" deep modules. The modules are planted with sedum prior prior to installation for an instant green roof. The weight of the added plants and wet soil is 29 lbs. per square foot. A building construction professional should be consulted before adding a green roof to a building.
Rain Barrels We continue to add hard surfaces (buildings, parking lots, etc.) to urban areas and runoff water can quickly overload the storm sewer system. Rain barrels capture roof water for reuse in the garden. Note the overflow line that can take excess water to a nearby grassy area. Rain barrels are an easy and quick way to help reduce storm water runoff and conserve water.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
