© 2008 Wendy Dager

While hard engineering in the form of concrete conduits was once the way to literally channel the problem of stormwater runoff, landscapers are now taking a greener approach. Bioswales, or Grass Swale Filters (GSWF), are a relatively simple answer to a complex problem. As densely vegetated drainage ways with gentle side slopes, bioswales collect and slowly convey the runoff flow downstream. The result is an economical, ecologically sound, self-maintaining system that physically secures both the structure and trapped pollutants. The main objective of a bioswale is to control pollution for the life of the project.

Bioswales can be incorporated into the landscape design of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional settings. They consist of primarily herbaceous plants whose stems and leaves retard water flow, settling pollutants, which, with the aid of the roots, decompose into the soil.

“We understand that our customers, including landscape architects, contractors and biotechnical engineers, are often responsible for watercourse erosion prevention,” said S&S Seeds’ Paul Albright. “Between our scientific research and our analysis of customer needs, we’ve found that vegetation is clearly the cheapest and most effective way to protect the soil.”

Living Channel Liner Now available from inventory Famous Leymus sod! Biotechnology for channel stabilization,bioswales and wetland restoration Adapted to most Southern California bioregions Provides aesthetic enhancement Creates a natural ecosystem Reduces weed control maintenance costs Increases native perennials Call now to order: (805) 684-0436.

Sometimes, however, contractors may not have the time or ability to grow plants on site from seed, given construction projects with ever-changing timelines and unpredictable rainfall conditions. That’s why S&S offers a sound alternative: Living Channel Liner, an appropriate erosion control alternative that uses phytoremediation processes to combat environmental concerns such as groundwater pollution and erosion. Living Channel Liner is a special-order native-plant sod, pre-grown to your specifications in a lightweight soil-less sod. The sod can be reinforced with geotextile material that meets the project’s requirements as well as federal and state specifications.

S&S Seeds is pleased to be able to offer a limited inventory of in-stock Living Channel Liner produced from Leymus triticoides, which we’ve dubbed “Famous Leymus,” a low growing and mat forming (rhizomatous) beardless wildrye, with blue-green leaves. Famous Leymus is often used for soil stabilization on channels, streams and river slopes, as well as restoration of mine lands, roads, ranges and riparian areas.

“Some of the benefits of Living Channel Liner include an instant visual effect and reduced weed control maintenance costs,” said Albright.

Call S&S Seeds at (805) 684-0436 and we’ll customize a Living Channel Liner that’s just right for every construction project.

Seed Mixes: Wildflowers | Turfgrasses | Reclamation / Erosion

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S&S Seeds, Inc. P.O. Box 1275 Carpinteria, CA 93014-1275 (805) 684-0436 (805) 684-2798 fax

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