RAIN GARDENS 

Why are rain gardens important?  As cities and suburbs grow and replace forests and agricultural land, increased stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces(roof of your house or garage, pavements- driveway, sidewalks), your lawn, or areas with poorly drained soil becomes a problem.  By redirecting the stormwater runoff into a rain garden, you will be able to help change these trends.  While an individual rain garden may seem like a small thing, they help the environment in several ways.

• Increasing the amount of water that filters into the ground, which recharges local and regional aquifers;
• Helping protect streams and lakes from pollutants carried by urban stormwater - lawn fertilizers and pesticides, oil and other fluids that leak from cars, and numerous harmful substances that wash off roofs and paved areas;
• Providing valuable habitat for birds, butterflies and many beneficial insects.  

Making a stepping stone path

1.       Remove sod and dig down 5-6 inches

2.       Lay down landscaping fabric

3.       Add 4 inches of decomposed granite

4.       Tamp solidly down

5.       Place stepping stones in your path

6.       Add more decomposed granite in between stones

Herb path –

Use topsoil instead of the second layer of decomposed granite to do your planting.

                Suggested plants that are foot traffic tolerant for path.

                                                Whooly Thyme (zones 5-9), 1” – 3” tall, pale mauve flowers

                                                Blue Star Creeper (zones 5-7), Pale blue blossoms

Walking Paths

Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz followed the yellow brick road to her dreams. The pathway through your yard and garden can also follow the vision of your dreams. Design your yard and garden with thoughts of places you have visited that have left inspiration in your heart and mind and a smile on your face. Make your yard a showplace with stepping stones from the Rock Shoppe on Gotfredson!