Welcome to the Rain Garden Blog!
February 19, 2009
Welcome to the Rain Garden Blog! This will become a regular feature here at World Goin’ Green. In this space we are going to share information on using rain gardens and landscaping to manage stormwater. Our initial focus will be on residential yards, but over time, we may expand into design approaches for municipal and commercial properties as well.
My name is David Dods. I am the host of the rain garden video featured on this site. I live in the Kansas City area, work as an environmental engineer for URS Corporation designing “green” stormwater management systems, and I love to spend time outdoors. I also had the good fortune to help co-author the book, “The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens,” with Rusty Schmidt and Dan Shaw. Rusty and Dan are landscape ecologists living in Minnesota and Wisconsin, respectively. I will be dragging them into this space periodically to take advantage of their wealth of knowledge too.
My intent with this blog is to cover rain gardens, native landscaping, and stormwater management topics that are timely to the current season of the year. Dan, Rusty, and I live in the Midwest, but we will try to cover issues in a manner that can be applied throughout the country.
Over the next three months we will write a series of articles to help get you ready to plant a rain garden in your yard for this spring planting season. After that, we will head in new directions based on the questions received at this website.
What is a Rain Garden?
A rain garden is a garden constructed with a low spot in it designed to catch rainwater in your yard, growing plants that don’t mind getting partially flooded on occasion. They are typically shaped like flat-bottomed bowls 4 to 12 inches deep. By soaking up rain where it falls, rain gardens slow stormwater runoff, help prevent erosion, and remove pollutants while creating attractive landscaping and wildlife habitat. 
Stormwater runoff is something that we often view as a problem. We collect it in drains and pipes to get it out of our way as fast as possible. Unfortunately, doing so can cause erosion and flooding farther downhill. Instead of viewing rainwater as a nuisance, use it to create attractive landscaping for your yard. Have you ever wondered how to fix the erosion gully where rainwater drains away from one of your downspouts? Or what to plant in that soggy spot where the grass won’t grow because water puddles there after it rains? Try planting a rain garden.
In the next blog, we will start the design process by talking about how to select rain garden locations in your yard.
Have fun playing in the rain!
For those looking for more information, the Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens is available at terracehorticulturalbooks.com.
Register Your Rain Garden
December 1, 2008
To order your copy of “How to Build a Rain Garden”, email us at info@outpostworldwide.com or call us toll free at 866.843.5354. Copies are $9.99 plus $5 S&H.
10,000 Rain Gardens
December 1, 2008
To order your copy of “How to Build a Rain Garden”, email us at info@outpostworldwide.com or call us toll free at 866.843.5354. Copies are $9.99 plus $5 S&H.
Taking KC by Storm!
December 1, 2008
To order your copy of “How to Build a Rain Garden”, email us at info@outpostworldwide.com or call us toll free at 866.843.5354. Copies are $9.99 plus $5 S&H.
It’s Only Natural
September 4, 2008
Kay Barnes
September 4, 2008
HD Video Production
August 15, 2008
Outpost Worldwide is proud to be the major high definition video production and independent film company involved in the Green Internetwork. As a company, they are committed to creating a greener working environment for both their employees and clients. Outpost is a full service HD production facility based in Kansas City but able to shoot anywhere in the world.
Strategic Consulting
August 15, 2008
Astra Enterprises: Involve to Evolve
ASTRA Enterprises is a consulting company based in Kansas City, Missouri. Our clients range from city governments to law firms, large non-profits to small businesses.
What makes us special?
First, we listen. We listen to our clients while serving as a strategic partner. We listen carefully to the client’s constituents, to assure that all voices around the table are heard. It has been our experience that a project evolves more efficiently when stakeholders are involved early to assist experts in identifying effective and creative solutions. Whether building a bridge, or building consensus, we’ve found that honesty, integrity, and an ability to help our clients “see around the corners” has contributed to ASTRA’s success.
We have 80 years of combined experience, and specialize in services for public involvement, internal and external communications, change management, marketing, Website design, and special events.
KC Goin Green
August 8, 2008
Rain Garden Teaser
August 7, 2008
How to Build a Rain Garden
Transform erosion and rainwater runoff in your yard into a beautiful RAIN GARDEN… Help change the planet one yard at a time!
Every drop of rain that you keep on your property helps keep our lakes and rivers clean. Every drop matters. Every drop counts.
Rain gardens slow stormwater runoff, help prevent erosion, remove pollutants from water, provide beautiful landscaping, and attract birds and butterflies. Watch rain garden experts David Dods and Rusty Schmidt transform an ordinary yard into a beautiful rain garden!
Learn how to find a rain garden location in your yard, properly size your rain garden, lay out your garden shape, select plants that grow well in your region, and install plants and finishing touches. Soon your rain garden will be up and blooming!
To order your copy of “How to Build a Rain Garden”, email us at info@outpostworldwide.com or call us toll free at 866.843.5354. Copies are $9.99 plus $5 S&H.
