RainScapes Gazette May 2012

[Howard Hartman]

RainScapes Gazette
May 2012

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In this Gazette

• Apply for RainScapes Rewards!
• RainScapes Manuals ONLINE!
• Upcoming Workshop- Registration OPEN
• The New My Green Montgomery Website
• Native Plant Sales
• Tree Care Notes
• KMCB Landscaping Contest
• Books and Apps of Interest
  

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• RainScapes Rewards
  
  We still have money! We need more applications for the RainScapes Rewards Rebates in the FY2012 budget (budget year goes from July 1-June 30, so we are almost done the FY2012 budget cycle! We encourage you to apply!   All rebate projects, except rain barrels, are required to be approved prior to installation to qualify for rebate funds.  Approved projects should be complete within 6 months of approval from DEP. If you have difficulty accessing them, you can contact the RainScapes office via rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov
  RainScapes Online Applications Link
  
  
• RainScapes Manuals
  
  The RainScapes Manuals are now available online for use in the county. The overview chapter explains what RainScapes are and why we need more! The rest of the chapters provide information on each of the rebate approved techniques: Rain Gardens, Conservation Landscapes, Tree Canopy Replacement, Green Roofs, Pavement Removal, Permeable Pavers, Water Harvesting (Rain Barrels and Cisterns) and Dry Wells. 
  RainScapes Manuals Link
  
  
• Upcoming RainScapes Events
  
  Conservation Landscaping Techniques Workshop
  When: Fri May 18 (Course # 188801) & Sat May 19
  (Course # 188802)
  Where:  Brookside Gardens (map)
  
  All registrations for the workshop are done through the Parks and Recreation online (pp 103-104 in the online guide). Note: You must use ParkPass; it can take a few days for that pass to register but it is free. Sign up for ParkPass via the Montgomery County Parks Dept. www.parkpass.org  Workshop cost is $10
  
  RainScapes Tour June 16th
  RainScapes is planning a small RainScapes tour for projects in the Anacostia and Rock Creek watersheds. More details in the next Gazette.
  
   
• My Green Montgomery
  
  Have you ever been unsure about where to go to find all of the incentives, information and programs to help you green your lifestyle and save money? Now there is one website for Montgomery County residents to get all this information: MyGreenMontgomery.org. Access resources available to you and find out how to save money and decrease your impact on the environment. Visit MyGreenMontgomery.org to learn more and start your Green Plan!
  
  Visit MyGreenMontgomery.org on Facebook for additional tips and green news.
  
  And, this month on My Green Montgomery TV, our own Ann English explains the benefits of rain   gardens, turf reduction and natural fertilizers. Catch future episodes of My Green Montgomery on County Cable 6.
  
  
• Native Plant Sales
  A list of local native plant sales can be found at the RainScapes website.
  Native Plant Sales Link 
  
  
• Tree Care Notes
  MULCH, MULCH, and… Not too much mulch!
  It’s time to mulch around your trees.  Mulch conserves moisture in the soil, adds nutrients and organic matter, and keeps the soil cooler throughout the summer. Also, mulching keeps weeds and grass away from trees so they won’t compete for water.  Put mulch around your trees now and again in the fall to maintain a layer between 2 and 4 inches deep.  Check out our Mulch Meters for additional tips on mulching.  Mulch Meter Link
  
  
• Landscaping Contest
  The Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB) Task Force invites you to participate in its 26th ANNUAL LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFICATION CONTEST.   Entries must be submitted by June 22nd! Landscaping Contest Link
  
  
• New Books of interest
  The Organic Lawn Care Manual
  A Natural, Low-Maintenance System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn.
  Paul Turkey, Storey Publishing, c. 2012 ISBN 978-1-58017-649-1
  
  Creating Rain Gardens
  Capturing the Rain for Your Own Water-Efficient Garden
  Cleo Woelfle-Erskine and Apryl  Uncapher, Timber Press, ISBN 978-1-60469-240-2
  
  
• I-Phone App of Interest
  Leafsnap
  This free mobile app uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves.
  Leafsnap Link