Congratulations to the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District and the County Board for their plans for a rain garden at the courthouse (Sept. 12, 2009 edition: Rain garden demonstration project for courthouse).
This is a great step forward on addressing the problems of polluted runoff. Rain gardens are being used more and more across the country in both large and small settings and are finding favor with many homeowners and gardeners looking to add new features to their yards while also protecting water quality.
Because rain gardens are designed to temporarily trap water, they can support many species of flowers and plants that have a range of water tolerances. Such species as Blue Flag Iris, Butterfly and Marsh Milkweed, Culver’s Root, Joe Pye Weed, and various ferns, rushes and sedges will thrive in a rain garden in our area.
The rain garden at the courthouse should be a functional and attractive addition. I would encourage anyone interested in rain gardens to visit the site design toolkit at www.lakesuperiorstreams. org.
Jesse Schomberg
Minnesota Sea Grant
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