The Westover Hills Library Advisory Group is introducing a “Rain Garden and Landscape Project” that will make the library a much “greener” part of Richmond. Planning for the project is nearly finished, and installation work is scheduled to begin in February 2015. The project will be completed in stages as funding permits. You’re invited to a Gala Garden Party at the library on Saturday, February 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. to see the plans. There will be a raffle of native plants, and you may win!
WHAT is a RAIN GARDEN?
A rain garden captures runoff water – for instance, from the Library roof – and directs it into a specially designed landscaped area, or “rain garden.”
WHY this project? This multi-phase project will help the environment, the city AND the library.
- Economics: Native plantings thrive with less care and require less water than non-native plants. As a bonus, we’ll use less city water to keep our landscape green.
- Environment: Rain gardens keep runoff out of storm drains, which means less pollution in the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. The project aligns well with Richmond’s storm water management initiatives.
- Education: The library’s rain gardens will be highly visible examples of environmental stewardship. Westover Hills Library’s strong relationships with neighborhood public schools will provide opportunities for many “teachable moments,” formal and informal, for students, their teachers, and their parents. Others in the community will also benefit.
- Aesthetics: What’s not to like about an attractively designed landscape drawing positive attention to our neighborhood, the Westover Hills Boulevard/Forest Hill corridor, and the library?
How Can You Help? Come to the Garden Party on February 7 to learn more about the project, and consider making a contribution in any amount. Contributions (funding or in-kind) have already been pledged or received by the Westover Hills Neighborhood Association, the Richmond Public Library Foundation, our WHL Advisory Group, Fourth District City Council Representative Kathy Graziano, The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Reedy Creek Coalition, the Forest Hill Neighborhood Association, Four Winds Design, LC, and many individuals. Please help supporting this exciting civic project.
QUESTIONS? Contact Nancy Buck, Librarian/Community Services Manager, at 646-0652 or nancy.buck@richmondgov.com. If you plan to come to the Garden Party Gala, please RSVP to Nancy.