Free Download Donated by Local Author
Patty Ghertner

We are delighted to make available this new resource, donated by RCWA / West Meade Conservancy member Patty Ghertner! This explanatory guide will help you to take action to reduce non-point source pollution, to harvest rainwater, and create wildlife habitat by establishing a rain garden in your yard.

From the author's preface:
"I was already an organic gardener...Then my friend Tiffany Wilmot invited me to attend a meeting at Ellington Agricultural Center to see several demonstration rain gardens. Before then I had read about the concept, but not in depth. That meeting prompted me to do more research. I found numerous scientific studies showing that rain gardens significantly reduce polluted stormwater runoff. The concept of rain gardens is so simple, yet so important in restoring our natural ecology. Many scientists believe fresh water will replace oil as the most critical natural resource in our near future. We can’t live without it. Our individual actions are vital in this challenge. Together we can make a difference. I firmly believe every homeowner should have a rain garden."

The book addresses:
What is a rain garden?
How does a rain garden work?
Why are rain gardens important?
History of rain gardens
How do you create a rain garden?
  Step 1: Study your yard
  Step 2: Choose the location
  Step 3: Understand your soil
    What if your existing soil drains poorly?
  Step 4: Determine the depth, size and shape
  Step 5: Choose the plants
    Why plant natives?
  Step 6: Dig and plant!
Maintenance
Common Questions
References and resources
Appendix: Native plants for Rain Gardens in Middle Tennessee

Copyright © 2009 by Patty Ghertner All Rights Reserved. Unless otherwise noted, the illustrations were provided by the author. Cover photo Monarch Butterfly and Purple Coneflower by Zoran Ivanovic.