FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): April showers bring May flowers, and the opportunity to attend a free Rain Garden Workshop sponsored by City Utilities.

Three workshops are being offered during the month of April where residents can find out how to plant a rain garden while learning how to improve drainage and the quality of water runoff into local rivers.

 

A rain garden is a landscaped area that holds rain water runoff for a few hours to a few days. Compared with a grassed lawn area, a rain garden may allow 30% more water to be absorbed.

 

For planning purposes residents are asked to call 311 to register for the free workshops.

 

Rain Garden Workshops:

 

Thursday, April 9, 6:00-9:00 PM

Omni Room at Citizens Square- Room 045

200 E. Berry Street

 

Saturday, April 18 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Dupont Branch Library

536 East Dupont Road

 

Thursday, April 30 6:00-9:00 PM

Omni Room at Citizens Square- Room 045

200 E. Berry Street

 

Residents who own property in the City of Fort Wayne are eligible to apply for a cash incentive to help offset some of the costs of installing a rain garden at their home. The incentive is only available for those who attend a training session and fill out the application.

 

More information about rain gardens may be found at City Utilities’ rain garden website at www.CatchingRainFW.org.