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GBG Completes First Rain Garden
Berlin MD- Grow Berlin Green completed its first demonstration Rain Garden on Saturday at the corner of Broad Street and Harrison Avenue, during the Village Fair Festival.
“That corner is one of several areas in Berlin where drainage is a problem,” describes Program Coordinator Steve Farr. “Rain gardens increase the amount of water that filters into the ground and slows the flow. We hope the pooling of water which usually occurs after a rainfall at that corner will be be diminished.”
Rain Gardens consist of native plants, mulch, loose soil and sometimes a layer of small gravel. Water not used by the plant roots is absorbed into the loose soil. As water moves downward through the mulched layer, chemical and biological processes filter and break down many pollutants found in the storm water that runs off the land. Over time, excess water evaporates into the atmosphere. This process minimizes the flow into the storm drains so less pollutants go into the bays. Compared to a conventional patch of lawn, a rain garden allows about 30 percent more water to soak into the ground. While a rain garden may seem like a small thing, collectively they produce substantial neighborhood and community environmental benefits.
Thanks go to Worcester County GIS Analyst Keota Silaphone, whose assistance with the project was invaluable. Property owner Pat Bell thanked both Silaphone and Farr for their hard work.
“I am delighted with the garden and it looks beautiful,” Bell said.
Free rain garden manuals are available through the Worcester County Government offices and the Town of Ocean City. Free copies are also available at the ACT office on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin.
GBG is a campaign to promote conservation and environmental protection in the Town of Berlin. For more information on GBG go to www.growberlingreen.org or call 410-629-1538.
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