− | *In natural areas, a diversity of plant types not only adds beauty but also create a thick underground root matrix that keeps the entire plant community in balance. In fact, 80% of the plant mass in native prairie communities is underground. Once the rain garden has matured and your sedges, rushes and grasses have established a deep, thick root system, there will be less change in species location from year to year, and weeds will naturally decline. <ref name=LO>APPENDIX D LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS, Rain Gardens: A how-to manual for homeowners, Wisconsin Department of natural Resources</ref> | + | *In natural areas, a diversity of plant types not only adds beauty but also create a thick underground root matrix that keeps the entire plant community in balance. In fact, 80% of the plant mass in native prairie communities is underground. Once the rain garden has matured and your sedges, rushes and grasses have established a deep, thick root system, there will be less change in species location from year to year, and weeds will naturally decline. <ref name=LO15>APPENDIX D LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS, Rain Gardens: A how-to manual for homeowners, Wisconsin Department of natural Resources</ref> |