Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative

We are pleased that the Brook Run Rain Gardens recently received recognition from Ohio’s Master Gardener program as an Outstanding Environmental Horticulture Project! These gardens are 10 this year and continue to prove that Green Infrastructure is beautiful and functional. Franklin Soil and Water is especially thankful to our partners, including a dedicated team of Master Gardeners, who saw to the gardens’ success and their continued growth and change. See them yourself by locating the Brook Run subdivision across from the entrance to Inniswood Metropark!

Join us for your $50 voucher and learn about free rain garden resources this Saturday morning! The good news is that coffee is provided, and it is just how you like it because it will be your own. 🍩💦☕️🌱

We're hosting a "Bagels + Backyards", Community Backyards online Zoom class, Saturday, July 25 @ 10:00am. Join Franklin Soil and Water Staff, Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW), FACT - Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries for an online, in-person presentation. You'll be able to ask questions to each speaker and get a detailed explanation about the entire rebate process. The only catch- you have to provide your own bagels. 🥯

Pre-registration is required- www.virtualcommunitybackyards.eventbrite.com

Amber and Karen, parent volunteers at Granby Elementary (Worthington) couldn't be prouder of the 3-tiered rain garden they orchestrated here! The berms and river rock did hold up in a recent rainstorm, and plant roots will help over time.

Are you on the ledge about the sedge? Sedges are wonderful alternatives to traditional turf, especially in shady, damp areas where grass doesn't thrive. They add texture and fill in rain gardens well, and can be cut occasionally to keep them tidy and prevent spreading.

In times of excessive rainfall, your rain gardens may overflow or flood due to this. This is perfectly fine, and the rain garden will not be damaged by the large amounts of water. The water will be filtered out within a few hours!

Here's another native plant sale, brought to you by the Marianist Environmental Education Center in the Dayton area. Their catalog specifies FACW (Facultative Wetland) selections, usually the most appropriate for rain gardens for intermittent wet and dry spells.