A Natural Delight
The Garden of Steve C.
Have you sometimes felt that you’ve had to compromise on aesthetics to be earth-friendly? If so, then Steve’s garden will offer you just the inspiration your eco-minded heart desires.
As UW-Parkside’s risk manager, Steve offers no compromise on safety. And when it comes to his garden, there is definitely no compromise on beauty. As Steve was building his new home, he worked with a landscape contractor to create four rain gardens. Essentially, the gardens are the repository for up to 80% of the water collected by his home’s downspouts and sump pump. Into these rain gardens he has planted 300 native Wisconsin flowers and grasses--well-suited companions to our heavy clay soil. Since these gardens are mulched, low-maintenance is another huge bonus. But there’s more…
Taking a restoration approach in the rear of his suburban property, Steve has designated approximately 4000 square feet to prairie flowers and grasses. He sees it as a small investment that pays dividends of less mowing, fertilizing, and watering, with increases in wildlife habitat. Whether you’re interested in new ideas for your own landscape, or just want to see some beautiful rain gardens, well, then you’ve got to see this garden!
Bonus: A representative from The Wild Ones (Root River Chapter) will be on-hand at Steve’s home to share information about the organization and offer advice on environmentally sound landscaping practices, biodiversity preservation, and restoration of native plant communities for the average homeowner.
Tickets available at all Racine and Kenosha Educators Credit Union Offices or
Online until Thursday, June 12, 2008
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