The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County (MGHC) present a free gardening class open to the public -- All About Rain Gardens taught by master gardener Mike Payne -- on Saturday August 20 at 10:00 a.m., at the UT Extension, Agricultural Service Center, 6183 Adamson Circle, located off Bonnie Oaks Drive. For additional information, visit www.mghc.org.
Mike Payne comments, “Rain gardens are landscaped areas designed to divert, collect and naturally filter rain water and runoff that flows from roofs, driveway, patios or lawns. Planted with a selection of native shrubs, perennials and other flowers, these small and attractive gardens serve to protect the environment, as well providing a habitat for birds and many beneficial pollinators, including bees, butterflies and insects. An example of this can be seen in the Butterfly & Hummingbird garden maintained by the Master Gardeners near the Chattanooga Aquarium. The class will cover common problems of soil, drainage and rainwater runoff particular to our area, elements included in a basic design, and choosing the right plants to create an attractive, easy to maintain rain garden that will benefit both homeowners and the environment.”