I'm coordinating with a community development corporation to reduce stormwater in a dense rowhouse neighborhood of Philadelphia. The obvious intervention is rainbarrels, but they would either sit on the sidewalk or take up some of the small open space available for gardening, playing or entertaining. The city gives them away but they're not popular in this area. One of the ideas coming out of our project is to change the product. Instead of an ugly and inconvenient rainbarrel, why not have a beautiful planter that never has to be watered! We're hoping for the Martha Stewart effect. One of the project partners is Philadelphia University. They are organizing a student design competition to include students from the industrial design, landscape architecture, and biology programs. We'll bring in a container gardening expert and a marketing expert. They're hoping to design a product that would actually be manufactured and sold. There are lots of technical and marketing challenges, but also lots of fun possibilities. Holiday themed wraps in the wintertime. Holders for seasonal flags. Tomatoes. Fig trees. Water striking chimes as it flows down. Color coordinated streets. Anybody have ideas to add? Do you think this might work?
Mindy Lemoine
Environmental Innovation Branch (3EA40)
Environmental Protection Agency
1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Voice: (215) 814-2736,
Fax: (215) 814-2783
[email protected]
Rethinking Rainbarrels as Self-Watering Planters
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Yes! During our 21st Century Landscaping Clinic (incorporation of stormwater mangement practices) this was brought up in the discussion with our participants many times. One attendee built a "shed/fence" around his rain barrel that was easy to decorate with plants, etc., but still had the utility of water storage in the barrel for use elsewhere in the yard (if that was one of their objectives). He like it because it was still easy to access. The "unsightly" factor was definitely an issue! Have you connected with Longwood Botanical Garden? They may be a great partner. Best of luck and if there is a listserve to keep informed of your progress, please add me to it!
Gail Epping
Overholt Milwaukee River Basin Educator
Wisconsin Basin Initiative
University of Wisconsin - Extension 932 S.
60th Street West Allis, WI 53214
Phone: (414) 290-2434
Cellular: (608) 206-3972
Fax: (414) 290-2424
[email protected]
Mindy -
Stormwater treatment elements in the form of 'raingardens' are being promoted by Melbourne Water Corporation as an effective option that can not only treat stormwater, but also combine with options for retention and reuse or infiltration depending on site conditions. They can be constructed as planter boxes or put below ground and may be appropriate in your circumstances. The link below provides additional information. http://wsud.melbournewater.com.au/content/treatment_measures/rain_gardens.asp
Regards
Mark Chicoine
Senior Planner
Planning & Local Government
Water & Catchment Unit EPA Victoria
Level 2, 40 City Road
Southbank VIC 3006 GPO B4395QQ
Melbourne VIC 3001
Ph. 03 9695 2767
[email protected]
Dear All -
The Council on the Environment in New York City has an extensive program for harvesting rainwater for community gardens. Some of their designs and education materials might help with the Philadelphia project. Contact Julie Walsh 212.788.7909 jwalshWcenyc.org
Marjorie Torelli
Western Finger Lakes
Solid Waste Management Authority
Lyons, NY 14489
315.946.7650