1614 VIRGINIA AVE 2018-01-02 MF Import

EXIIIBIT B :%'I Itt 1 1 RAIN GARDENMALNTLNANCE PLAN Ongoing maintenance of the rain garden ensures that it functions properly and becomes a positive example for future rain garden projects. The Rain Garden Handbook for 1Vestern Washington Homeowners by Wasliington State University Extension provides further maintenance details. Debris removal: Check the inlet in the rain garden for garbage and debris throughout the year. Before the rainy season begins in September, check for debris to ensure that storm water drains freely into the rain garden. Mulching: A 3" layer of medium bark mulch or arborist wood chips will help block weeds from sprouting on the soil surface, will help keep the soil moist, and will help prevent soil compaction from light foot traffic. Watering: In order to ensure that plants get well established, plants will need deep watering during the drier months for the first two or three years. Remember to water after a dry period even when the planting beds are established. Weeding: Weed the planting beds 3 - 5 times a year to keep invasive plants and weeds under control. Some plants may need to be deadheaded or lightly pruned. herlilizhig: Do not apply fertilizers to your rain garden. The rain garden soil mix provides plenty of nutrients and your garden is planted with native plants that arc adapted to this region, no fertilizing is needed. herbicides and Pesticides: Do not use herbicides or pesticides in your rain garden. Erosion control: Check the rain garden for areas of exposed soil, particularly in the fall before the wet season begins, as well as in the winter. If erosion persists in the rain garden, too much water may be Flowing into the garden too rapidly. Plant replacement: Occasionally certain plants in the new rain garden will not thrive or become a problem in the rain garden. Make a note of which plants did not function well and why. Replace plants as needed. Exhibit 8 to Rain Garden Maintenance Agreement