Bluff Country Co-op employees and volunteers planted the first flowers in Winona’s new rain garden, located in the parking lot behind Bluff Country Co-op, on Wednesday, August 10. The majority of the plants that will be used in the rain garden were donated by BCC owners. Additional plantings will be held on Wednesday, August 17, at 8pm, and Friday, September 2, at noon. All are welcome to participate.
BCC Sustainability Coordinator Liz Reach is also planning to host “Garden Talks” on the first Friday of September, October, and November at noon. These talks will be a chance for folks to learn more about rain gardens and participate in the planting. The talks are free and open to the public. Fair Trade coffee will be provided complimentary of Bluff Country Co-op.
The rain garden will further serve as an educational tool when Dr. Bruno Borsari, professor in Winona State University’s biology department, brings his students there.
The rain garden was created in July with the help of a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. One of the principal benefits of rain gardens is that they filter oil, grease and other toxic materials from stormwater runoff. In this case, the rainwater drains to the Mississippi River so filtering it will help improve the health of the Mississippi. Additional benefits of rain gardens include cleaner air, reduced flooding, improved wildlife habitat, and beautified landscape.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering to help with the planting or maintenance can contact Liz Reach at: (507) 452-1815 or reach@bluff.coop.