© 2009 Wendy Dager

When addressing the threat of stormwater runoff—a threat that can easily turn into hazards such as decreased water quality, hillside erosion and pollutants entering storm sewers—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 grass that works well in bioswales for most of Northern California and coastal Southern California is Leymus triticoides,” said Paul Albright of S&S Seeds. “We’ve dubbed it ‘Famous Leymus’ and incorporated it into our Living Channel Liner.”

Paul’s Famous Leymus Checklist “When it comes to using S&S Seeds’ Living Channel Liner, there are many benefits for your job site’s native sod bioswale requirements,” says Paul Albright. Use of Leymus triticoides, an appropriate adapted native plant Habitat and wildlife protection Recreation Restoration/Revitalization Stream protection Water quality Water supply Watershed management

Leymus triticoides, also known as Creeping wildrye or Beardless wildrye, is a cool season, long-lived perennial and loose sod-former with an extensive root system. It is adapted to a wide variety of subirrigated soils and is extremely saline-and alkali-tolerant. Seeds are generally sterile, as the plant reproduces by underground runners, which bind the soil into strong turf.

It is these deep runners that allow the efficient, low cost cleanout of a low cost structure. Maintenance workers can then use backhoes or front-end loaders to remove trapped sediments, and the Leymus triticoides will quickly regenerate.

There are three cultivars of Leymus triticoides: Yolo, Rio and Shoshone, but only two—Yolo and Rio—are suited to California’s Mediterranean climate. In addition to having the benefits of Famous Leymus (see box at left) our Living Channel Liner not only holds the soil, but it becomes the basis for a full wetland community with attendant benefits such as water purification and filtration.

Microorganisms gain a foothold in this new environment and act to biodegrade pollutants; sediments are caught and stabilized; and biodiversity is encouraged.

“Another plus is that, when you mow Creeping wildrye, it changes its morphology,” said Paul. “Mowing causes it to resemble turf grass.”

For more information about Living Channel Liner, native seed and other products, visit our Web site at http://www.ssseeds.com or call us at (805) 684-0436.

All our products come with an extra ingredient at no extra cost–40+ years of experience!

Living Channel Liner Available now Sod of 100% Famous Leymus! Immediate delivery for bioswales, vegetated channels and erosion controlling filter strips Aesthetically pleasing Instant erosion protection Lower weed control costs A native Call S&S Seeds now to order: (805) 684-0436

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