Tag: Ames Public Library

Rain Garden 2011

I know I’ve posted before about this rain garden that grows next to the Ames Public Library (update 2018:this area is gone now, part of the new library addition), but this year it seemed even more beautiful to me.

It’s been HOT here, in the 90’s, heat indexes around 110-115, but this garden still looks so cool, deep, rich, diverse.  As I stepped out of my car to get some close ups, I heard something rustling in the foliage.  Could have been a rabbit, maybe a bird or a mouse, but the environment was so deep and lush, it remained well hidden from me, and probably quite cool.  I wish there were more spaces around town that were planted like this!

Ames Iowa Public Library Rain Garden

 

Rain Gardens and Native Plants

If you live in Ames, have you wondered about the “weedy looking” lot next to the Ames Public Library? (2018 update: this is no longer there due to the library expansion)

I stopped by there to take some photos last Saturday.  My understanding is that it is an example of a rain garden, planted for the purpose of slowing  water runoff during hard rains.

Remember the flooding of 2008 in Iowa? Some blame the changing landscape that has eliminated “weedy looking” areas, but these examples of native planting alternatives to traditional lawn grass are much better at catching rain water, holding it, and keeping it from running and collecting in such a way that increases flooding.

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People usually keep lawns, parks and highway landscaping mowed.  Shorter grass means faster runoff.  Another thing a lot of people never think of: when you mow frequently, the heavy equipment will compact the soil, making it harder and harder over the years and less able to absorb rainwater.

 

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If you visit our library, take a few minutes to escape to the prairie, walk the little path, run your hand through the fresh smelling sage, chatter with the wasps, bees and butterflies and think about the rain, where it comes from, where it goes…