As the 3rd rainiest city in the continental U.S., nothing is more important in the New Orleans than responsible water management—we all depend on it. From high-tech cisterns to low-tech rain gardens , bioswales, and permeable hardscapes, we help you harvest Louisiana rain! | |
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Modern Cisterns & Rain Harvest Technology Cisterns are an elegant part of New Orleans' traditional architecture specifically adapted to our micro-climate. Cisterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes to be discreetly tucked away under a deck, or your cistern can be crafted to become a beautiful a focal-point in your landscape. |
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Bioretention: Rain Gardens & Bioswales “Bio” refers to strategic plantings that the wick up and filter water moving through a “retention” area which is designed to slow the flow of runoff water and maximize its use before it reaches a storm drain. Rain Gardens and Bioswales—both types of Bioretention Systems-- resolve drainage issues, reduce the need for irrigation, and filter runoff while recharging our water table. Any planting bed, gutter downspout, or path can be a Rain Garden or Bioswale! Did you know that mature Live Oaks can absorb 50 gallons of water per day and are excellent additions to larger-scale Bioswales? |
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Permeable Hardscapes To reduce runoff, keep your hardscapes permeable by using unmortared, open-jointed blocks, such as concrete pavers, cobblestone or flagstone, with compacted sand and aggregate as sturdy reservoir base. French Drains used beneath the hardscape can resolve drainage issues while hydrating your landscape. Pervious Concrete allows water to easily flow through to the ground. With a compressive strength up to 4000 psi, Pervious Concrete is great for driveways, basketball courts and parking lots. Porous Paving Interlocking Grids: The interlocking recycled plastic matrices are designed to secure aggregates in place or allow ground covers to be grown even in high-traffic areas; the rigid grid prevents aggregate or root compaction by serving as the load bearing surface. Withstanding up to 5720 psi compressive strength, any parking lot or hardscape can double as a lush lawn! |
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