travelers often overlook the quiet beauty that surrounds them on The Strip. Once the neon veil is removed, the cultural gems – breathtaking design, personalized wine selections, music played for Presidents, world-class public art and elegant botanical gardens – are wonderfully revealed.

Design

While many visit miX at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay for chef Alain Ducasse’s culinary creations, it is obvious upon entering the restaurant that its design is, in itself, a piece of art. Located 64 stories above The Strip, the centerpiece of the restaurant is a custom-designed, 24-foot chandelier made of 15,000 hand-blown Murano glass spheres. Osteria del Circo at Bellagio is another option for diners who enjoy dining in a wonder of interior design as they embark on an epicurean adventure through Tuscan cuisine. To create the feel of a fanciful circus tavern while maintaining a sophisticated dining atmosphere, designer Adam Tihany brought the Big Top décor from the Maccioni family’s New York flagship restaurant to Las Vegas.

Wine Culture

With a record number of sommeliers and restaurants recognized by Wine Spectator, travelers can indulge their taste for the finer things in Las Vegas. Wine connoisseurs can receive personal recommendations from Bellagio’s team of 17 sommeliers including a record three Master Sommeliers. Honored with 11 Wine Spectator Awards in 2011, MGM Grand’s vast cellars and seasoned staff help every guest select the ideal wine to complement their meal. On the lighter side, marvel at the acrobatics of the wine angels at Aureole at Mandalay Bay as they retrieve wine from a four-story wine tower.

For the ultimate experience, wine and art enthusiasts will be delighted with the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art’s Art & Wine event. With wine personally chosen from Bellagio’s cellar by Director of Wine and Master Sommelier Jason Smith, connoisseurs can explore the many commonalities of wine – subjective, emotional and personal – while taking in an expertly curated art exhibition. Beginning February 18, guests will be able to experience “Claude Monet: Impressions of Light” – a landmark exhibition featuring works that illustrate the height of Claude Monet’s engagement with color and light.

Music

Vegas isn’t all pulsating nightlife. If guests prefer classical music, they may enjoy Bellagio’s Petrossian Bar. Situated in front of Dale Chihuly’s 2,100-square-foot glass flower sculpture, travelers can sit back and marvel at this renowned piece of art as David Osborne, known as the “Pianist to the Presidents” for his performances for the Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama administrations, weaves graceful melodies on the Steinway Grand.

Public Art

Travelers will find some of The Strip’s best public art at CityCenter, home to one of the largest and most ambitious corporate art programs in the world. Walking into the ARIA lobby, wandering eyes find New York-based artist Maya Lin’s work “Silver River,” an approximately 120-foot silver cast of the Colorado River suspended above the reception area. Lin used reclaimed silver to develop the creation in light of Nevada’s standing as the “Silver State,” while maintaining CityCenter’s commitment to sustainability. Take a walking tour to continue the journey into the unparalleled art collection and discover works by Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Frank Stella, Henry Moore and Richard Long, among others.

Horticulture as Art

Breathe in the fresh air at Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden and admire the thousands of trees and flowers specially lit and showcased in a theatrical presentation. Depending on the season, guests can walk on bridges and through gazebos for a close look at the magnificent botanicals while taking in the wonderful fragrance of the season.

If interested in learning more about the cultural offerings in Las Vegas, please let me know how I can be of assistance with information, photos or setting up interviews. Or, let me know if you have upcoming plans to cover Las Vegas and it would be my pleasure to assist in whatever way possible.

Clara Tsang
Kirvin Doak Communications.

The miX at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay is in itself a piece of art. is a post from: SoReal Life

From Jay-Z Then…

“You ain’t got your neck on froze with the same logo that you got stitched in your clothes…”

In the mid-to-late 90′s, both hip hop and fashion were going through an incredible process of shape-shifting - both musically and with how we dressed. Ask many fashion designers, they will tell you that fashion in the 90′s was one of the most difficult to define. From historically black college sweatsuits and African medallions, to futuristic, shiny suits and snow goggles, it’s safe to say that hip hop fashion in the 90′s definitely had an enormous range in style. But what Jay-Z was able to do, was not only trend along with us, but contribute to what we bought and what we wore throughout the 90′s and during the turn of the century.

Along with his then Roc-A-Fella partners, Dame Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke, Jay-Z created Rocawear apparel which represented not only his own clothing taste, but the taste of urban youth within the hip hop community. Fellow moguls, Russell Simmons (Phat Farm) & Sean “Diddy” Combs (Sean Jean) lead an explosion of hip hop elite who were looking to cash-in on a growing culture of young people infatuated with imitating the personal styles of their hip hop heroes, and Jay was on the forefront of that movement. The street style of Rocawear mirrored the clothing that he liked to wear, which made him the perfect model for his own brand. Velour sweatsuits, designer t-shirts, oversized jeans and signature sneakers powered Rocawear into earning annual sales grossing over 700 million, and made Jay-Z into a fashion icon, influencing some of the most famed clothing designers in the world to take notes from one of the most popular brands on the streets.

As Rocawear grew, so did Jay-Z’s taste for a more mature look. His business savvy and growing ventures outside of the world of music were becoming even more popular than his music lyrics and he decided to let his closet reflect that growth. Out goes the NBA throwback jerseys and in comes the collared “button-ups!” We began seeing now President Carter (a nickname earned for now being hired as the new Def Jam Records Commander-In-Chief) rocking true-to-size designer jeans, his signature S. Carter white sneakers by Reebok, and crisp, cotton button-up shirts. From 2003 to even today, you can catch most young men duplicating this look that he popularized at most of your local hot spot. It was becoming clear — Jay-Z wears it, we go out and buy it. But he wasn’t done styling on us just yet.

…To Shawn Carter Now 

“No no, don’t thank me, It’s just how my suit is stitched/ I’m cut from a different cloth, I’m just who the shoe fits…”

As of today, Mr. Carter is a fixture on many style publications’ “most fashionable lists” having almost completely ridded himself of “blinged-out” jewelry and baggy clothing that seemed to dominate his closet some 15 years earlier. He also parted ways with his free music endorsements of Cristal Champagne, which resonated with the hip hop community and in turn, saw the champagne’s numbers decrease significantly within the past 5 years. As Jay-Z’s public image became increasingly more mysterious, he would occasionally be seen at New York Yankee games or court side watching the Knicks sporting designer cashmere sweatsuits and fleece henley sweaters, but still not giving up his now signature Yankee navy-blue, fitted baseball cap – which of course, caught on. He also became well known for wearing tailored suits from Ralph Lauren and Georgio Armani along with his signature necktie “dimples” and personalized cufflinks. His business-casual meets hood grown-and-sexy style was a staple for young multi-cultured young men who were now aspiring to be the type of business super mogul that Jay-Z had become.

In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to his Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group for a hefty, $204 million while still retaining his stake in the company and overseeing the marketing, licensing, and product development for future campaigns. Then in 2009, he helped design and launch a men’s sneaker line along with the famed Louis Vuitton label. Along with deals for his Roc Nation record company, minority share with the New Jersey Nets , and inked book deal for his now published memoirs entitled “Decoded”, Jay-Z continues to allow his style reflect his growth as a businessman.
His growth and maturity over the past 15 years, was something that I personally, was rarely able to see in my role models. As an “80′s baby”, I wasn’t afforded to see an icon that I looked up to like Jay grow up together through his style, his ventures, and his music. Because of Jay-Z’s staying power at the top of pop culture for so long, young men like me were allowed to watch his progression and follow suit (pun intended). His continued accomplishments and growth in style allowed for us to dream and to aspire for greatness while looking the par. And even if I never own a NBA franchise or marry Beyonce’, I would have been able to see someone just like me achieve his goals. And if all else fails, I can at least now, dress myself like a gentleman.

The Trends, the Business & the Style Maturation of Jay-Z is a post from: SoReal Life

Everyone, at some point in their life takes a brief look back at who they were and where they came from. Some people take their curiosity a bit beyond by investing time in finding out about certain characteristics, talents or anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.

With shows like, ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’; a show where Celebrities search for their ancestors while unfolding the most amazing gifts and strengths that were passed down to them, more people are finding the value in delving deep into their history.

Where does your true strength come from? Is it something you are taught or is it something you embrace when you feel a strong connection to something or someone? Imagine choosing to adopt the strengths and ambition of someone you never really knew but someone you fully understood and could relate to.

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because

brave men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” – George Orwell

Many young people are often inspired by heroes they are not fully familiar with; finding leaders that they see on TV or fictional writings. Most of the Youth within the African American Culture have had to look to heroes they don’t really identify with, such as Batman or Wonder Woman.

Brave young black people surge into the harsh battle of basic daily living while getting a brief spark of what they may be capable of mainly because of what they are taught not shown. Members of organizations or groups like the Buffalo Soldiers work to remind our youth of true bravery in spite of the human condition and adversity. Telling stories of Young Black Americans who made a place for themselves by proving they had the strength and wisdom to whether any battle, even when the ones they fought with had no faith in their abilities.

These amazing Buffalo Soldiers not only inspired a race they inspired a country, through courage and talent the Buffalo Soldiers even Exceeded the Expectations of those in Congress who gave them a chance to fight for themselves and the ones they loved. Black soldiers who fought to win in the Indian Wars, giving their lives if necessary, for what they believed in and to gain the respect and equality they never saw as slaves.

Inspired by the Nature of their Predecessors; groups known as the Buffalo Soldiers, were formed as remembrance of such bravery and ambition; they live and work to maintain the memory of our Brave African American Military Soldiers, by becoming role models for the youth in their Community.

In the true memory of the Buffalo Soldiers riding on their graceful steeds, Buffalo Soldiers of today often ride through town on what they lovingly called their ‘Iron Horses’, a marvelous manifestation of  motorcycles that gets attention.

The word Soldiers is NOT gender bias, many women had a hand in making this nation great, as well. Women like Cathay Williams served regardless of the official prohibition against women serving in the military. Williams enlisted in the United States in 1866 at St. Louis, Missouri for a three year engagement, disguised as a man.

The wear and tear of tragic heat conditions along with being overcome with several diseases forced Williams to seek medical attention frequently enough  to finally be discovered, cutting her enlistment short by one year. Cathay Williams was later discharged from the Army by her commanding officer, Captain Charles E. Clarke on October 14, 1868.

They were so many branches of Military that engaged these young motivated black soldiers into battle. The Army, Rangers and the Air force were a few of the main branches served by the Buffalo Soldiers.

So many movies, inspired by REAL true stories have barely scratched the surface of depicting the amazing heroes that we have to look up to. The most recent movie inspired by the actions of Young Black Aviators, ‘Red Tails’ a George Lucas film, gently taps on the door of racial issues and charging full force into the challenges and successes of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Many of these amazing Men and Women are often honored at special events by name for dedicating their lives to ensure the safety of their country, loved ones and the  millions of faceless people who will never know how truly heroic they were.

And we ‘Thank You’.

Watch Interview

Embracing a Legacy Buffalo Soldiers inspired a race that inspired a country is a post from: SoReal Life

Whether it’s bringing the party to your workout, or finding your center, there is truly something for everyone. Piloxing: Fun and Feminine Piloxing, a crazy-cool new fitness regime created by Viveca Jensen, combines the energy of dance, the sculpting and flexibility of Pilates and power and agility of boxing into one high-energy workout that will surely leave you looking and feeling amazing. According to Viveca, who trains the most famous celebrities in Piloxing, you can feel confident, strong and feminine all at the same time with these very creative workouts! Zumba: It’s a Party Up In Here! Zumba’s catch phrase “Fitness-Party” couldn’t be more truthful. With incredible beats and hot moves, Zumba has fast become the sexy single and hot momma workout du jour! I don’t know about you, but going out dancing to your favorite Latin club tunes sounds a lot more fun than spending the evening walking on a treadmill in a stinky, sweaty neighborhood gym.

Zumba combines a healthy dose of Latin inspired dance and aerobic moves with sexy, sexy dance grooves. As the Zumba website touts, it’s the original “Fitness-Party,” and party you will! The creation of Zumba was actually a “happy accident” when Alberto “Beto” Perez was on his way to teach an aerobics class and realized he had forgotten his regular music. Lucky for him, and all of us, he had his own salsa and merengue mix in his bag and a party was born!

Zumba classes taught by highly trained official Zumba instructors can be found all over the US by visiting www.zumba.com. If group classes aren’t your thing, you can get your groove on in the comfort of your own home with the Zumba DVD’s. Lap Dance Workouts and Pole Dance Workouts Have you ever wondered how exotic dancers keep their sexy shape? Wonder no more, one-hour in a lap dance or pole dance class will answer any questions. These workouts are a blessing two-fold, not only do they work every muscle in your body, but they do a heck of a lot for your self-esteem as well.

While some women might shy away from this type of exercise, claiming to be self-conscious of their bodies, sensual movement exercises can actually help you increase your confidence and encourage you reclaim the inner diva hiding inside you. According to Kristin French-Hubbard of Tease Dance and Fitness in Naperville, IL, exotic dance workouts allow you to “Turn off your mind as the music sweeps over your body and turns you into the powerful, sexy force of nature that you are!” With all signs pointing to fun, flirty fitness styles in 2012, there is no stopping you from accomplishing your New Year’s resolution. Let’s make 2012 the sexiest, sassiest, and yes, healthiest year yet!

Fit and Fun 2012 is a post from: SoReal Life

“This experience is not just about Red Carpets, Makeup, Shoes and Butt Glue, there is a lot more to being Miss USA and being a Pageant girl”, according to The Current Miss California, Alyssa Campanella. Who says she has spent more time volunteering than she ever has walking the Red Carpet. As a title holder you get very involved in your community as a representative.

Sarah Chapman, Miss Nevada USA 2011, gave an awesome farewell giving thanks to all of those who supported her as her parents met her with a gift at the end of the stage. Sarah was most happy about all the volunteer opportunities she was able to give her time to.

“Most of these girls do for their community before they ever register for the title.  The experience of being in a pageant is so unforgettable, exciting but also very educational. A lot goes into the process and you learn a lot about yourself. Win or Lose, I loved every experience. That’s why I became a director.” Say Melissa Jeanne Arias, State Director of the Miss Nevada International Pageant. “Most of us don’t wake up looking fabulous.” She continues. “It takes work and education about yourself, your look and your capabilities.”

You may think it’s all about the looks but fitness also plays a big role when choosing a title holder that represents the place they come from. According to Jen Coop, the State Director of the Mrs. Nevada United States Pageant, “If a contestant looks fit and healthy the judges will give points for that.” A young woman, who makes time to stay healthy with a schedule that is loaded with work and community activities, is bound to be a good representative of her title. Good health is a good priority to have.  A woman who works so hard to take care of her body is also less likely to undo her good works with alcohol or other unnecessary toxins.

Each Contestant definitely had to have Fit Bodies, Clean Makeup and Grace. With Judges like Harvey Walden (MTV’s Celebrity Fit Club), Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Dancing with the Stars) and Las Vegas’s own Rain Andreani (Rain Cosmetics) all of the contestants had to bring their A Game.

It takes a lot to be a Beauty Queen is a post from: SoReal Life

*Uniquely Vegas* will surprise you at every turn with romantic getaways, artistic showcases, and many eclectic and original individuals that make the city one-of-a-kind. In the past 20 years, Las Vegas has transformed in to not only the “Entertainment Capital of the World”, but also as one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Many families have migrated in and around Las Vegas which has transformed the so-called “Sin City” in to a more community-based, metropolis which has even seen the world-famous Las Vegas “strip” become more family-friendly as well. With surrounding cities such as Henderson, Green Valley, Summerlin, and North Las Vegas competing with it’s famous attraction at it’s center, many non-gaming activities and features have diversified Las Vegas and given everyone more reasons to love
this city.

With so many interesting qualities about Las Vegas that go so easily unnoticed, *Uniquely Vegas* will focus on giving readers the opportunity to
see a different side of a world-class city that feature first-class shopping, fine dining, green living and adventurous activities that you’re normally unable to experience. With many hidden gems located off the strip and fun, community hideaways available, *Uniquely Vegas* gives both locals
and visitors a chance to enjoy a more complete Las Vegas.

Uniquely Vegas come experience the other side of Las Vegas. is a post from: SoReal Life

Not all power save modes are equal or effective enough to reduce or shut down your system, eliminating the drain on your savings. But what if it was?

Get a load of the first eco-friendly PC, introduced in 2010 at a California Opening. The Moneual Eco-friendly SONAMU PC with proven 0 watts energy expenditure in standby mode.

You can confidently walk away from your system for a snack, a quick chore or all day and not worry about the energy bill being higher, unlike most systems.

Cracks and broken seals around your widows are not the only source of energy drainage revving up your power bill. Buying all the energy efficient appliances may get you in a saving mode, but the majority of energy leaking from most homes Foreign or American comes from the constant use of digital equipment. The number one of all digital succubus’s is the home PC; which is second to entertainment systems, game systems and other electronics.

Upgrading to a system with a built in standby mode and power strip on the PC body will automatically cut down electricity costs, but also significantly decreases CO2 emissions standard to regular desktop PCs.

Imagine the effects on an economy that wastes less; starting with the energy they use. The ecological footprint of even 30% the combined businesses and homes can vastly improve our environment.

Moneual Representative, Lico Lee explains that an annual 6.7 Billion KWh of energy can be saved if even a small percent of current PC users switch to the Sonamu G100 unit; effectively reducing the same amount of CO2 emissions that can be absorbed by over 690 million pine trees.

Speaking of Pine trees…..The significance of the brand name SONAMU is no coincidence. The word Sonamu is derived from the Korean word for Pine tree. It has been proven that the Pine Tree is the one tree that absorbs the most CO2 emissions.

Think you’ll pay an arm and a leg for this smart system? Think again. The current cost and specs for this eco-friendly system are compatible with most PC’s. The current version of the Sonamu G100 system starts at $749.99. Specs include:

Intel Core i3-2100 3.1Ghz Processor
Intel H61 Express Chipset
8GB 1333Mhz CL9 memory
WD 500GB 32MB HDD – Caviar Green Power
Windows 7 Home Premium 64Bits
Wireless N 802.11b/g/n 300Mbps Gigabit LAN
HDMI, DVI – Max. Resolution 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
D-Sub – Max. Resolution 2048 x 1530 @75Hz
VIA 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
2 x USB 3.0 and 6 x USB 2.0 (2x front)
DVDRW 24X speed Multi Lightscribe
1 x 3-in-1 card reader
2 x Headphone (front and back)
2 x Mic (front and back)
6-Channel Audio I/O
Wired Keyboard and Mouse

Look for more from Moneual in 2012. The Company intends to release the PC under the SONAMU brand name for ALL international markets. For more information on the Sonamu G100 system visit, www.moneualusa.com

How green is your computer? is a post from: SoReal Life

The story follows a crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground and then are called into duty. As the war in Europe continues to take its toll on Allied forces, the Pentagon brass has no recourse but to consider unorthodox options—including the untried and untested African-American pilots of the experimental Tuskegee training program.

George Lucas, who’s made billions of dollars from his *Star Wars* movie series and animated features, has been making the television rounds this week in promotion of this new film. Along with promoting, Lucas voiced his trials and frustrations with convincing Hollywood investors to put up marketing dollars in order to finance a successful release of the film to theaters with very little interest in return. The fear is that an “all
black action movie” is a risk to investors looking to score big financially from ticket sales. With many big-budgeted films also depending greatly on international ticket sales, black movies have proven not to produce much money outside of the states as well.

Big-budgeted action films with over $100 dollars sunk in to its production rely desperately on it’s story, marketing, directing and cast. Outside of the do-know-wrong resume’ of Will Smith, there aren’t many castings of lead African-Americans in big budgeted films, let alone, one with a majority black cast set to carry the movie.

Case in point, the drama surrounding the possibility of a new casting in one of the most famous characters in movie history. British-born and current Hollywood stud, Idris Elba has been mentioned in talks with possibly being the next candidate to take over the Bond series as the legendary *James Bond* character. There have been websites and discussions both for and against the casting of Elba, but outside of any racially-driven complaints against it, many believe that his hiring wouldn’t be as financially successful because Hollywood hasn’t proven it’s
ability to bank on African-American leads in films of it’s caliber.

Comedies such as rapper/actor Ice Cube’s *Barbershop* and *Friday* movie franchise, have been successful in theaters while Tyler Perry has continued a successful run in Hollywood with his comedic dramas over the past decade. But a criticism that comes with these types of films are that they highlight and depend greatly on African-American stereotypes (both positive and negative) which can present a depiction of blacks in the most general and predictable forms. But regardless of how successful these films are, the bulk of it’s marketing and production dollars are financed by producers like Perry themselves.

With Hollywood’s reluctance with supplying big bucks on African-American ensemble films which are backed by huge dollar signs and marketing pushes,Lucas, along with Oprah Winfrey and Perry provided over $35 million dollars themselves in order to get *Red Tails* in the theaters. These heavyweight titans of media entertainment have now left the fate of “Black Hollywood” in the hands of the consumer! The dollars we spend on the movie’s opening weekend will tell film production companies, movie investors and critics whether similar future projects will be worth taking a risk with. With Mr. “Star Wars”, Ms. “Daytime Television” and Ms. Madea all backing this project, it’s all on you – the consumer, to decide the fate of African American movies such as redtails moving forward in Hollywood.

George Lucas, Tuskegee Airmen, Hollywoods and moviegoers challenge. is a post from: SoReal Life

Award winning Musical Artist and Producer LL Cool J brings Boomdizzle to the masses in an innovative fashion that will have recording artist all over the world loving him too.  The on-line creative community of Boomdizzle, founded by LL Cool J in 2008, brings musical artists and fans together to create, promote and share their music.

The founders of Stamps.com, Cyclone, and Alchemy Entertainment collaborated with founder LL Cool J to give young artist a strong platform that gives them the freedom and motivation to inspire others through their music.

Recently, LL Cool J shared his vision for expanding Boomdizzle with Dolby Digital Sound. LL COOL J says he chose to partner up  with Dolby to deliver premium quality audio recordings to his new baby the Boomdizzle Virtual Studio.

The Boomdizzle Virtual Studio allows artists from all over the world to collaborate, record and produce magical sound all on line. Recording LIVE Time in the Virtual Studio is as if you are in the same room with your compadre from Paris or across the country, with the added benefit of being in the comfort of your home or office. With Dolby Digital Sound and easy to use live editing features you and your foreign or domestic friend can give even to rowdiest rap solid sound.

With a Dolby technology-enabled laptop LL Cool J demonstrated how his New Virtual Program can save an artist thousands and still end up sounding professional. While on-line with another artist/producer and LL Cool J were able to create a completed musical track that was mix with another voice over and played the piece live.

LL Cool J states that once the Boomdizzle Virtual Studio is implemented on the Boomdizzle.com site artists and fans will be able have an account that is Free, Pay-as You-Go or Full Subscribed to record, mix and distribute their music, making the Virtual Program affordable for everyone.

Loading separate tracks with compatible software connected to an on-line chat system will make Musical Collaborations more powerful. “No more, I’ll email you this piece….you email me that piece”, says LL Cool J, who is often recording in the studio or producing Grammy Award winning music. “No more expensive flights to collaborate. Time is important.”

As the Star of the hit CBS show “NCIS: Los Angeles, LL Cool J the value of time. Now LL Cool J uses his time wisely while creating and sharing his passion for great audio.

To find out more go to Boomdizzle.com

Producer LL Cool J brings Boomdizzle to the masses is a post from: SoReal Life

Rain gardens are a relatively new concept.

They are designed to be small, yet effective. The retained water percolates down through the soil, trapping sediment and allowing nutrients to be used by plants placed in the rain garden. During rains, more runoff can come into the garden than it can hold, so it is important to give the excess water a place to go. For this reason, it’s best not to place a rain garden near a well or septic system.

Some yards, especially properties located in environmentally sensitive areas, such as those adjacent to streams or lakes, provide ideal situations for rain gardens. For example, when it rains, runoff from a road may wash fertilizer and soil across a lawn and down a sloped driveway before it then pools in a low spot by a stream. During larger storm events, the runoff may was directly into the stream- not the best scenario for the landscape or for water quality.

Rain gardens aren’t difficult to build. The typical rain garden requires a depression in the landscape to collect rain and snowmelt. This can be as large or as small as you want, but keep it at least 10 feet from your house to prevent seepage that can ruin your basement and foundation. Also, resist the temptation to locate a rain garden in a place where water already forms large puddles, as this indicates an area where water migration to deeper layers is already slow.

Put the garden in the sun, either full or partial, but not under a tree, as it will damage the tree’s roots. Locate it in an area where downspouts, runoff from walks or drives, or other natural water collection devices provide water. If you live in an area of heavy rain or deep snow, provide a drainage ditch or culvert to another rain garden or to the street.

Contrary to popular belief, rain gardens do not attract mosquitoes. Mosquito eggs survive only in water that stands for a number of days; most rain gardens dry in a matter of hours. Water loving native plants can survive in dry conditions as well, so resist watering them during dry spells, or they will get too tall, and droop in an unattractive fashion.

In addition to roadways and other hard surfaces, most urban and residential areas are primarily grass. Grass, or turf, does not percolate water well and requires a regular application of fertilizer and water to continue looking attractive. A rain garden, which is in essence a mini-wetland, mediates these problems, provides habitat and soothes urban anxiety.

Beautiful and Functional Rain Gardens is a post from: SoReal Life