LITTLE ROCK — The Illinois River Watershed Partnership and Beaver Water District offer help for anyone interested in building a rain garden.
The Rain Garden Project’s next Rain Garden Academy is scheduled for Oct. 5 at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.
More information about the conference or about rain gardens may be obtained by calling (479) 215-6623 or visiting the agencies online at irwp.org and bwdh20.org.
Amy Wilson, a spokesman for Beaver Water District,shared her tips for those who want to build rain gardens:
Identify the garden area and draw a sketch.
Talk to someone knowledgeable and brainstorm.
Dig down 6-8 inches (with shovel or backhoe).
Prepare and supplement the soil with sand, compost or other recommended materials.
Take a list of native plants to the nursery and buy plants.
Plant the plants.
Add mulch to help retain water.
Water plants until established.
Arkansas, Pages 12 on 09/24/2012