Well, it’s not exactly a scoop, but Joe Blundo in his “walk to work with Joe” week stopped by the rain garden a few weeks ago. Here he is taking some notes about the garden from information provided by Greg Schneider.

Soon after we completed the garden last Saturday we had 2 inches of rain. It was amazing to watch the garden work, but the volume of water so soon after completing the garden led to a small breech on the SW end of the garden.  We will repair the south side of the garden this Friday. If you can help, come. Bring a shovel. 

Vinnie, our careful and conscientious designer writes:

I’ve ordered the soil…they’ve said they will try to get it out with the first load.  I’m going to say 9:00am and hope it’s there earlier. I’ve ordered 3 yards.  I’m going to pop up the plugs on the berm and the inside edge of the basin, widen and raise the berm where needed then replant.  Shouldn’t take too long; I’ll show up at 8:00 to start transplanting. If any volunteers are available to help, that would be great.

We’ve created a draft photo essay to document the creation of our rain garden at High & Overbrook from the inception of the idea to its present state. We can’t say it’s “finished” because any garden is always a work in progress, but we’ve come a long way in less than a year.

The rain garden is planted! At least 33 people helped out on the  project that was documented by NBC4 and ABC6, Jennifer Nesbitt and a staff photographer from ThisWeek, and Dan Trittschuh from The Booster. Be sure to walk or drive by the site at Overbrook and High Street. More photos are sure to follow.

September’s second Saturday work day, September 8, 2007 from 9 to 11 AM, will focus on the rain garden. Bring a shovel and garden rake and help us plant. The location is High Street, between Indian Springs and Overbrook.

All elements combined for a great concert Friday night. About 100 people turned out to support Adena Brook and enjoy great weather and great music from the Ladies of Longford. They were preceeded by opening act “The Alter Boys.” Attendees could also enjoy seeing Monarch butterflies flitting overhead in the opening to the McCain’s spacious backyard and concert venue. Thanks to Tom and Jan for opening up their home, to the musicians for sharing their talents, and to all who attended.

Thom McCain writes: Come listen to The Ladies of Longford — Friday evening August 31st, 7:30 PM. Free-will offering is ($15.00) to guarantee your seat (kids free) – we have plenty of chairs, so bring friends and neighbors. Bring a drink and snack to share if you’re able. For those who haven’t been to a house concert before, they are a ton of fun. We gather with friends to hear live music in the comfort and intimacy of our living room or backyard at 146 Glenmont Avenue. We start early (7:30) and end early (10:00). Park on the street and walk back the gravel lane that is our driveway and let the fun begin. Make checks payable to “House Concerts @ Glenbrook.” Place of concert is 146 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214.

Our Rain Garden Team consists of Maureen Lorenz (Columbus Rec and Parks), Vinnie Tremante (Williams Creek Consulting), Tom Russell (Columbus DOSD), and Terry Dull (Columbus DOT). They continue to meet to work out the rain garden design and implementation plan. The garden will be on High St., north of Overbrook.

Cash and In-kind donations and pledges have come from:
Donors and Support to Date (not prioritized)

ComFest: $1425
Columbus Recreation and Parks: $1000 in plants
Greg Schneider: $50
FLOW: $100 and volunteers to help plant
CURB recycling: $200
Columbus Monthly: summer article on Rain Gardens will feature Vinnie Tremante and information about Adena Brook rain garden
FOR Ravinia: spring/summer issue features Vinnie Tremante article on Rain Gardens
McCain Fundraiser: August concert (more details later)