Dig into Rain Gardens

media release: Dane County is  hosting “Dig Into Rain Gardens-1:1 Coaching Sessions with the Experts,” a training to help residents who are interested in incorporating a rain or downspout garden into their landscape. Participants will meet individually with a rain garden expert to look at their specific site using an online mapping application, determine drainage patterns, and select an optimal location for a rain garden. Experts will also assist participants with sizing, plant selection, and provide resources on site preparation and installation. Thirty-minute coaching sessions are $20 and will be offered on Saturday, March 2 from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Participants from MAMSWaP communities will also be eligible for up to a $50 reimbursement for native plants ordered through Plant Dane. Reserve a spot today- https://ripple-effects.com/Event/Detail/1777.

Dane County and the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWaP) are also accepting plant orders for their 20th annual Plant Dane Native Plant Sale. Starting a native garden, no matter how small, can be a beautiful focal point to your landscape that is not only fun to plant, but fun to observe through the seasons. The Plant Dane Native Plant Program gives local groups, municipalities, and residents in Dane County an opportunity to order native plants for a fraction of the normal retail cost.

“Starting a native plant garden is a great way for Dane County residents to do their part in keeping our waterways and local wildlife habitat healthy,” said County Executive Joe Parisi. “We encourage everyone to make the most of this opportunity to add native plants to their outdoor spaces and benefit our environment.”

Native plants have a lot of hidden benefits. They provide food and habitat for local wildlife and help rainwater soak into the ground through their deep root systems—working to protect our lakes, rivers and streams from polluted stormwater runoff. Consider converting some of your turf grass or pavement into a native garden, downspout garden, or rain garden this spring and have a Ripple Effect on our waters!

Customers can choose from more than 50 native plant species and pre-selected garden kits including: pollinator, downspout, and rain garden kits. Donations to purchase native plants for specific community and school projects can also be made through the Plant Dane order system. Plants are only $11.50/4-pack with a minimum order of 16 plants. Plant orders will be accepted through March 19 (or while supplies last, with up to 35,000 plants sold). Order early! For more information or to place an order visit ripple-effects.com/plant-dane.