Page 30 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • April 8, 2009 Home Improvement & Gardening Rain gardens: Flooding neighborhoods with green A rain gardens can control flooding, filter pollutants from water, and attract birds and butterflies while improving the aesthetics of any landscape. “A rain garden is the best idea I have seen in my 25 years in the landscape and garden business,” said Scott Meyer of Fairway Estate Garden Center in Midland Park. “They can easily be incorporated into any ornamental landscape to help create an environment that is beautiful, ecologically responsible, and affordable.” A rain garden is created with select plants, soil amendments, and simple grading techniques. The garden is placed in a location to capture the runoff from impervious surfaces, including driveways, patios, and roofs. This water is collected and filtered by the plants in the garden as the water percolates into the soil, replenishing the aquifer, which supplies drinking water. This captured runoff is kept from filling streams and rivers, thereby reducing flooding. Rain garden plantings can be found in local garden centers. These gardens can contain trees, shrubs, and perennials. River birch, winterberry holly, black-eyed Susans, ferns, echinacea, dappled willow, and cardinal flower are just a few suggestions. Native plants are recommended. However, hybrids that offer extended flowering can easily be incorporated into the design. The key to creating a functional and beautiful rain garden is to start with reliable information and a great design. “These gardens are now starting to be an accepted storm water management tool by our local municipalities,” Meyer noted. “The benefits of these gardens far outweigh the existing drainage practices at reduced cost to the homeowner.” To learn more about rain gardens, contact your local garden center, or visit the Rutgers University website. Spring IRRIGATION SERVICES Jacobsen to participate in PLANET Day The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the national lawn and landscape association, is holding a nationwide Day of Service on April 22. Members of PLANET are organizing volunteer lawn and landscape projects in communities across the country, including in Ridgewood. For more information about the national PLANET Day of Service, log on to planetdayofservice.org. Jacobsen Landscape of Midland Park is participating in the PLANET Day of Service by volunteering at the Ridgewood properties of Children’s Aid and Family Services, 138 and 148 Prospect Street. They will provide a spring cleanup, turf repair, pruning, planting, and ornamental plant care for the two-acre site that was built in 2005 and 2006 for meeting, meditation, and enjoyment for the Children’s Aid and Family Services staff and patients. Jacobsen Landscape will be donating all of the time and materials for this project. PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the quality of life in communities across America. With more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. Jacobsen Landscape Design and Construction’s Midland Park Design Center is located at 413 Godwin Avenue. The Landscape Gallery is located at 11 Barnstable Court, Saddle River. Phone (201) 891-1199. ��������������������������������� �������������������� ���������������������������� �������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� ������������������� ������������������������� ������������������������������������ ����������������������������������� ������������ Spring Flooring Sale! BIG SAVINGS ON AREA RUGS, REMNANTS, CUSTOM STAIR AND HALL RUNNERS, CARPET, HARDWOOD & LAMINATE! Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights til 8PM. Visit our showroom in Hawthorne at Goffle Road and Route 208. ������������ �������������������� ��������������������������������������������� 1030 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ 973-427-7900 www.buyabbey.com STORE HOURS: Mon & Fri 9-6 • Tues, Wed & Thurs 9-8 • Sat 9-5