Rain gardens are a great way to control water on your property

Rain gardens have been making their way through the St. Louis area for about the last 10 years. They are a great way to implement on properties to help with water drainage and add a new touch to the landscape. MSD and some municipalities are offering grants to help out with the project up to $3000 which a lot of homeowners are unaware of. They are trying to keep less water out of our sewer systems. New developments these days require drainage efforts to be added to the design phase.

A rain garden slows the flow of rainwater runoff by using elements similar to those that occur in nature: plants, stone, shallow swales and depressions that catch and hold rainwater rather than let it run off unhindered. Plants that offer a diversity of both deep and fibrous root systems help make the soil more permeable, sponge-like and able to absorb a large amount of rainfall. Native plants are typically preferred due to their hardy nature. Water gathers temporarily in shallow depressions and is absorbed by the soil and plants as well as being filtered as it percolates through the soil horizon.

There are two major categories of rain garden design:

1. Native Soil Rain Garden
   A homeowner who plans to install a rain garden where no development or redevelopment is taking place may prefer this low-cost option. Soil pore space is gradually improved over time through the combined interactions of added well-aged compost, mulch, microbes, and deep-rooted plants. Plants that are able to tolerate primarily moist (and sometimes dry) soils thrive best in these environments. A rain garden is not necessarily the right solution for your site.


2. Engineered Bioretention System
   Where development or redevelopment is occurring engineered bioretention may be specified. The commercially designed rain garden requires the removal of existing soil and replacement with a 60–80 percent sandy soil mix, typically along with a piped underdrain. Plants that are able to tolerate primarily dry (and sometimes wet) soils thrive best in these environments. For more information on how to design an engineered bioretention system download the MSD Landscape Guide for Stormwater Best Management Practices [pdf].    

UPDATE: Please Visit https://msdprojectclear.org for more information.

For more information on the grant program, following this link.
https://www.projectclearstl.org/get-the-rain-out/rainscaping-small-grants-program/

Sources: Missouri Botanical Gardens & Metropolitan Sewer District

Burning off warm season grasses was the solution back in the day.

I remember years ago you could drive around St. Louis and notice a lot of Zoysia lawns that looked burnt with a smoky scorch across them, and I always thought those people were crazy for setting their lawns on fire. This is a way that people used to remove the dead top growth from the turf to jump start the lawn in the spring. I recently saw a yard that had done this process and wanted to explain it a lot better.

Setting your lawn a blaze was a technique used more by rural homeowners to remove dead top growth and warm up the soil temperature. It can also rid the turf of unwanted pests that may be residing in your lawn. Warm season grass usually doesn't come to life until we start seeing temperatures in the 80`s. Burning the yard increases the ground temperatures which in turn may cause warm season grasses to sprout early. There were a lot more risks than benefits I say when doing this procedure. The fire would have to be constantly watched and controlled for the fire not to get out of control. It would have to be a calm, less windy day for ideal conditions. You run the risk of burning up other things if the fire would reach your gardens and not stay in the turf areas. Air pollution is generating from the smoke from the burning of the lawn. Local authorities must be warned when doing this technique. There are now a number of ways to jump start the lawn or remove top growth from the lawn. Power raking will help to remove thatch from the yard and cutting on a lower setting in early spring will remove top growth.

Controlled burns are still a way of technique for cutting back wild prairies or large grassy areas. The burning of the areas helps to break down plant matter and ready the area for new growth the coming season. There were a series of controlled burns in Forest Park in the St. Louis area last fall to prepare prairie areas for renovation. There burns are done by qualified and trained professionals. I do not recommend using the controlled burned for your yard. Stick to the new way of doing things. The burning of yards is banned in a lot of cities and municipalities in the area. 

Decisions, decisions to make about your garden.

             

          With the hot and cold spells, we we've been having in St Louis I know some people are starting to think about the upcoming gardening and lawn season; especially I’m asked what to plant and what to possibly change about their gardens. I have said before that winter is a great time to go out and plan for things in the spring. Whether it`s a vegetable garden for healthy eating or great curb appeal to make the neighbors jealous. A little planning before you begin always helps to prepare for this spring. (Click Here For A Good Online Garden Planner online) 

            Depending on when you do your gardening in Spring (this is St Louis after all!), It may be time for some new plants to spruce up the front yard and get rid of something you don`t like.   We know a good Gardner if you don’t have a green thumb, but still want a garden.   Go out and look at the area a couple of times during the day to figure out how much sun the area gets. Is it full morning sun or afternoon sun when the sun is at its highest point. This will give you an idea on what to plant in the area depending on what the plants’ needs are.  Different plants can thrive in different areas. Hosta’s and azaleas may be ideal for areas with a lot of shade. Roses and Shasta daisies fit quite well in sunny areas.

            If you want to develop a vegetable garden this season, think about what foods you like to eat. Do you like adding spices when you cook or enjoy eating a lot of salads?  This will help give you an idea (and get some fresh stuff to eat!) of what to plant in the garden. There has been a rise in popularity for raised garden beds over the last couple of years. They can help transform a bare spot in the yard and make something out of it. Raised beds can also be built in to your existing patio if space is a concern of yours. Some properties can have very small yards with no space. Raised beds are also ideal for people who have a hard time bending over and working on their knees. Raised beds allow the person to work in the garden either sitting or standing depending on the height of the garden. Whatever you decide to do this season do your homework to know what you would like to plant and thrive in our area.   This site may help especially if you’re a beginner:   https://publichealth.wustl.edu/gardening-in-st-louis-ten-tips-for-beginners/

What we do in the off season.

People often wonder what we do in the off season to keep us busy. We do not do snow removal or ice control. The off season is a good time to look at operations and make changes if necessary for next season. We will redo routes and look at our marketing strategies. The winter is a very good time to look at the whole picture and see how the company is doing all together. Of course, I get some time to relax and do a little traveling.

We went to Gulf Shores, Alabama this off season and enjoyed some much-needed rest and relaxation. The weather was good besides some rainy days. I like going to this area in the winter as there isn`t as many people down there. It`s mostly a lot of snow birds getting away from the winter weather. Now since I`m back I will be doing some work around the house and focusing on my studies. Winter is an enjoyable time to spend with family and friends. Then it will soon be time to get ready for next season as spring will be here before you know it.

Some landscaping companies will do snow removal or maintenance to keep their employees busy in the winter months. This is time when they will make any necessary changes and have a hiring campaign to bring on employees for the next season.