Lately, I have become intrigued with the idea of redirecting the stormwater runoff from my garage roof into a rain garden. “Stormwater has been identified as one of the leading sources of pollution for all water body types in the United States.” Read more about stromwater runoff on the epa website.
When I first read that quote about stormwater it didn’t make sense to me. That was because I had no idea how storm sewers work. The conventional method of handling stormwater contributes to stream erosion and water pollution because it is designed to convey water off site and into the underground maze of pipes as quickly as possible. Once all the water from the storm event is funneled into the sewer system it picks up velocity and volume and literally gushes into streams and creeks which causes erosion of stream beds and banks. Additionally as it moves from the sidewalks to the streets and through the underground system, it picks up all the contaminants in its path (gas, oil, pet waste, trash, salt, yard waste, fertilizers, weed killers, etc.) causing water quality contamination.

Building a rain garden allows stormwater to be kept on site and naturally filtered through the ground where it can eventually find its way back to the water table. Rather than being contaminated along its path, it is purified as it filters through the layers of the rain garden. However, I am barely able to keep the cilantro and basil in my little window boxes alive, so the idea of a rain garden seems a little intimidating. Luckily, this Saturday there is a Water Festival at Hazelwood East High School (11300 Dunn Road, St. Louis, MO 63138). The Living Green in Watkins Creek Water Festival begins at 10AM and closes at 2PM.

From the press release:

Rain Gardens, rain barrels, jazz musicians, and fire trucks will highlight the array of topics, hands on learning and just plain fun expected at the Living Green in Watkins Creek Watershed community water festival…The first-ever event will feature water quality information and exciting learning activities for students and adults wanting to know more about their natural environment. More than 20 exhibitors will represent a range of environmental, education and community organizations. Come and learn about how our natural water system works to support the living ecology of our world….Learn about the steps that residents can take to help keep our rivers and stream clean. AmeriCorps Stream Team volunteers will lead a Confluence sponsored stream clean up of Watkins Creek near the high school on the morning of the water festival.

Living Green in Watkins Creek Watershed is a partnership with RegionWise, an urban center at Saint Louis University, the Hazelwood School District (HSD), Metropolitan Sewer District, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

This weekend is the 15th annual Grand South Grand House and Garden Tour. You can view the Magic Chef Mansion located on Russell Blvd across from Reservoir Park and the Tower Grove Park Director’s House. This is the house located inside Tower Grove Park near the intersection of Tower Grove Ave and Magnolia.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 the day of the tour and can be purchased at Gringo Jones Imports, Botanicals Design Studio, the Missouri Botanical Garden in the Garden Gate Gift Shop, or over the phone by calling 314.773.4844. See the website for complete details. Tour is on Saturday and Sunday, April 19th & 20th from 11 am to 5pm.

The city, as one finds it in history, is the point of maximum concentration for the power and culture of a community. It is the place where the diffused rays of many separate beams of life fall into focus, with gains in both social effectiveness and significance.

The city is the form and symbol of an integrated social relationship; it is the seat of the temple, the market, the ball of justice, the academy of learning. Here in the city the goods of civilization are multiplied and manifolded; here is where human experience is transformed into visible signs, symbols, patterns of conduct, systems of order.

Here is where the issues of civilization are focused: here, too, ritual passes on occasion into the active drama of a fully differentiated and self-conscious society.

Want to live walking distance to Bailey’s Chocolate Bar, 33 Wine Bar, Marbles Yoga Studio, Sqwires, 1111 Mississippi, Ricardo’s, Arcelia’s and much, much more? Well now you can and for a very affordable price. 1729 Preston is move in ready and waiting for its new owners.

The home is located on side street off of Lafayette which dead ends so it is very private. The yard is huge and fully fenced with plenty of trees which makes a nice buffer since I-44 runs along the south side of the street. Once inside the hum is inaudible.

The formal entry way is just an indication of what this home has to offer in the way of originals and built-ins. The wood is beautiful making the entry a very functional show piece.

Off the entry is the a set of French doors leading to the dining room. Around the fireplace are floor to ceiling built-in bookshelves. The oversized window makes this cozy room bright.

The living room is just off the kitchen and the circular floor plan makes this home great for entertaining.

The floors are gleaming and the decorative fireplaces are original to the home.

Off the kitchen is a large screened in porch. It will easily accommodate a table of six and will be great for dining alfresco

And the oversized lot offers plenty of opportunity for gardening.