Rain Garden by Jefferson County Master Gardener Class of 2015

written by Jeretta W.

The Master Gardener class of 2015 took on the project of the two rain gardens at the base of the large QFC parking lot.  This park area was for public use with benches and picnic tables to sit and enjoy the serene area. The two gardens were being used as demonstration gardens with signage to explain the function and the importance of rain gardens in the Pudget Sound area.  These two gardens were not properly maintained, had become an eyesore and did not portray a good example.

Working with a plan designed by Bob S., Olympic Water Resource Specialist, Master Gardener Jere W. has coordinated the work at the gardens.  Below is a synopsis of the progress

Left Garden: before beginning work  8/15/15

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Right Garden Reed Canary Grass

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Left Garden- End of the First day of work weeding has begun(really dry, no water source)  8-18-15

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  BUT, We found lovely PLANTS below all the weeds.  What a joy!!!

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We removed a total of 45 large black bags of weeds and started putting down wood mulch, donated by The Tree Guy at the beginning of September. Total man hours by master gardeners has been appx. 67 hours.

Great back therapy!  You won’t believe how much heat comes off a pile of mulch

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Leo and Kay had their method of spreading mulch 

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Mary and Carl helped finish spreading the first mulch delivery on the left rain garden

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Job well done                             

 8-31-15

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Notice the weeds which have already come through the first layer of mulch spread on 8-31-15.  Will definitely be an on-going process of maintenance!  We plan on making it deeper with the next delivery of mulch.

 

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