In St. Paul's Upper Swede Hollow neighborhood, this appealing 900-square-foot garden captures pollutant-laden street runoff that would otherwise flow into the Mississippi River. Native plants in two low-lying areas remove oil, grease, heavy metals and sediment, so the water that isn't absorbed by the garden is cleaner once it does reach the river. The garden also provides open space for residents, and an outdoor classroom for teaching elementary-school students about erosion control and native plants.

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Photo: Christine Baeumler