The Fairfax Library garden project will feature a rain garden designed by Native Water Systems. This water-conscious infrastructure is a simple strategy which will mitigate flooding and sustain a pollinator-friendly habitat. Rain from the roof will be channeled into the rain garden which will fill up during heavy storms. Overflow will be directed by pipe to a swale that leads to the creek. We’re hoping our rain garden will serve as an educational component and a role model for a climate balance strategy that is easy to install in any home yard.
The diagram shows the layers of material which create drainage.
Progress so far: contractors dug out the area, and the landscaper marked the limits of the rain garden based on the grade. Because the whole project is on a hill, the sides of the rain garden can’t be too steep or it will erode.
The hole has been filled in with the layers of gravel and soil. The pipe which leads from the roof’s downspout is visible at the top of the rain garden.
The river cobble has been laid out. Larger boulders and plants will be installed soon.
