Check out the slide show on the right column of this blog. The photos were taken today at a Florida Friendly Recognized Landscape which received the highest level of recognition , the Golden Oak. This homeowner did a great job reducing stormwater runoff by creating rain gardens or bioretention basins in various locations around the landscape.
Bioretention Basins or rain gardens are shallow planted depressions designed to retain or detain stormwater before it is discharged downstream (runoff). By removing the existing clay soil which only allowed water to flow across it and replacing it with a more sandy soil which allows water to be retained the amount of stormwater runoff is reduced. This homeowner chose to plant a variety of native and Florida Friendly species in some of the bioretention areas and left some covered in rock to make dry wells.
This landscape is also designed and maintained to exist on rainfall. As much as 50% of a homeowner's water use is in the landscape. This homeowner is helping to conserve our water and in doing so reduces his water bill.
As you can see this Florida Friendly Landscape is very colorful with lots of intriguing features. I invite you to go Florida Friendly wild and share your projects with me. If you need more information or help getting started please contact me, MichelleAtkinson@ufl.edu or call 941-722-4524.
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