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As Spring Approaches, Consider Planting a Garden for the Water
by Ronna Haxby
(Projects Manager, Ozarks Water Watch)
When I first started working for Ozarks Water Watch this past summer I knew very little about rain gardens, riparian barriers or buffer zones. Since then I have learned a lot about the many different ways that we can all make a positive difference in our water quality "footprint" by the things we do in our own yards and on our property.
I'd like to provide you with some of that information about resources and practices that will help all of us to find ways to do something real and meaningful for the quality of our water. It is directed at 2 groups of people. The first is anyone who lives in an urban setting and the second is anyone who lives near a creek, stream, river or lake. You may have a large stretch of land or a very small lot. There are options available that can help reduce the runoff pollution going into the water, some of which require a significant commitment and others that can be accomplished quite easily and affordably.
 | | Rain Garden. |
Did you know that half of all stormwater pollution comes from residential property? According to studies by the EPA nearly 70% of the pollution in our surface waters gets there through stormwater runoff and 50% of that is chemical pollution from products we use on our yards and other household activities. Probably the best way to reduce fertilizer runoff is to use the correct amount for the specific lawn. Any extra phosphorus put on your lawn is wasted and simply washes away. This is a major source of algae growth in our water. Have your lawn tested for nutrients so you know what it needs. Here in the Ozarks, what is often needed is additional lime to offset acidity in the soil, not more fertilizer. If you are interested in sustainable landscape professionals they are available. Show Me Yards and Neighborhoods provides information and resources for homeowners as well as where to go for services. One resource in Springfield, MO for chemical free lawn fertilization is Beautiful Day Landscaping. 471-849-0314 (they don't have a website)  | | Small, beautiful Rain Garden. |
Rain gardens are a beautiful and functional way to help protect our natural resources. Perennial native plants help absorb the water and the nutrients that might otherwise go directly into the storm drain. They help reduce pollution in our streams, rivers and lakes, create habitat for wildlife and butterflies and beautify your landscape. While some rain gardens can include major landscaping, you don't have to do something grand to make a difference. Any rain garden, even a small one adds charm to your landscape and offers stormwater capture benefits. Native plants are a good choice for landscaping whether you have one-fourth acre lot in the city, four acres at the edge of town, or 40 acres in the country. Native plants conserve soil and water and provide the backbone for non-polluting landscapes because they don't need fertilizers or pesticides. They support a diversity of wildlife through improved habitat and can reduce long-term maintenance requirements. They are winter hardy and drought tolerant and are less prone to destructive insects and diseases.    From left to right: Soft Rush, Lizard Tail and Arrowhead Matching the right plants to a given set of conditions is the key to successful landscaping with native plants. In some cases, such as a 10-acre reconstructed prairie, you may want to use plants that tend to spread energetically by seed or underground rhizomes. This will help the planting become denser at a quicker rate and lower cost than non-spreading plants. However, in smaller landscape situations, it is important to select plants that don't spread but grow as distinct individual clumps so they don't invade space belonging to other plants. Grow Native is a great resource for selecting the right plants for a specific area. If you live in Missouri you can connect with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Click on Contact us (at the bottom) and get a local phone number if you want to speak with a specialist.  | | Switchcane is great for large lakefront areas. Roots spread easily so not good for yards. |
There are also ways to minimize water and nutrient runoff from your property that require very little time and cost. Even a simple strip of vegetation between a developed area and a lake, stream or river can be a buffer zone. It isn't necessary to turn your whole yard into a natural area to be very effective at reducing pollution. This could simply be a strip of land that you do not mow, clear or manicure. If you want this area to be beautiful and pleasing to look at you can choose many different native plants and wildflowers that will enhance the appearance of your property.  | | Lakeshore Buffer Zone. |
 | | Another Lakeshore Buffer Zone. |
There are several Nurseries that sell native plants. Smiling Sun Native and Organic Garden Center is an excellent site. They are very knowledgeable about appropriate plants for rain gardens and buffer zones. You can do a Google search for native plants in your area and get tons of information. If you have a large area of land and don't want to go to the effort or expense of planting, you can simply let a strip of land 10 to 20 feet wide go wild. Just don't mow it and nature will do the rest. | 
