COST-SHARE RESOURCES

Thank you for your investment and interest in improving our watershed with green infrastructure and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Each BMP is a valuable piece of the watershed puzzle yet sometimes they involve a learning curve. These resources will help VLAWMO cost-share recipients and other green infrastructure tenders keep their project functioning and looking great.

Plant ID

Learn more about native plants and sharpen your skills at identifying weeds. 

Links:

BlueThumb Plant Finder

MN Native Plant Encyclopedia

Minnesota Wildflowers

VLAWMO Plant Cards:

Plant cards 1

Plant cards 2

Books:

The Raingarden Book is available through VLAWMO for $10, and can also be purchased through several vendors found on Blue Thumb.org/raingardens.

Cost-share recipients are eligible for a free copy of Common Lakeshore Weeds. Call (651-204-6070) or visit the VLAWMO office for a copy. 

Blue Thumb Partners

blue thumb.png

As a member of Blue Thumb, VLAWMO is connected to a network of specialists in the fields of landscape design, restoration, and native plants. 

Visit the Blue Thumb Partner Finder to find more resources on designing a new project, renovating an existing one, or ordering native plants. 

Neighborhood Spotlights

Experience is the best teacher. VLAWMO invites cost-share participants to share their discoveries to help others learn about our work and try water-friendly landscaping techniques.  

Photographs:

A new project is a great opportunity for documenting growth and changes as projects mature. Residents can photograph their project to demonstrate how the plants grow or how the project harnesses water over time. 

  • Take monthly photos of your project during the growing season (May-Sept) for 2-4 years. 
  • Send VLAWMO your photo collection.
  • Send us any fun photos of gardening, flowers, or wildlife visitors! 

Neighborhood Spotlights:

Tell the story of your project by being featured in a Neighborhood Spotlight article. Completed articles include a photo of a homeowner with the project, technical information on the project, and a brief interview. See examples below.

Kate Winsor:  June, 2018

Beth Fruehling:  May, 2018

Glander Family: April, 2018

Ronna Smitherman:  February, 2018