Kevin Beuttell, MLA, LEED AP, has eleven years of experience in developing sustainable design solutions for a variety of public and private project throughout the Midwestern and Northeastern United States.  On Wednesday, June 8, from 1:30 – 4, he will speak on Designing Ornamental Gardens for Effective Storm Water Infiltration. Despite the proven environmental benefits of storm water gardens, many people are reluctant to use them because they rarely result in attractive, long lasting landscapes that are easy to maintain.  A close examination of the materials and processes of storm water gardens, however, suggests a solution for creating a significantly stronger and more resilient system of relationships between vegetation, soil, and environmental performance.  This shift in the design approach creates opportunities to design beautiful ornamental gardens that function as highly effective storm water management systems in a wide variety of site locations and regional climates.  You will tour a variety of rain gardens in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and learn practical tips on creating effective rain gardens that can also stand on their own ornamental merits.  $20 ELA members, $25 non-members.  Register by calling 617-436-5838, or email ela.info@comcast.net.