RAIN GARDENS: ROOTED SOLUTIONS

From setback requirements and tidal mapping to seawall design and rain garden strategies, Nautilus has the expertise and experience. We design with nature and code compliance in mind.  We see an emerging shift from traditional lawns to biodiverse natural meadows that better manage stormwater during heavy rains.

🌿 Event Recap: Rooted Solutions – Designing Resilient Coastal Gardens

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an inspiring and informative afternoon at Rooted Solutions, hosted by Nautilus Architects. The panel of experts shared invaluable insight into rainwater management, sustainable landscape design, and resilient coastal engineering.

From setback requirements and tidal mapping to seawall design and rain garden strategies, attendees gained guidance on designing with nature and code compliance in mind. Special thanks to our participating experts from:

✨ WaterStreet Design Associates
🌱 Matteson Landscape Architecture
🏛 Florence Griswold Museum
🏘 Wesley Stout Associates
🔧 Buddy’s Property Management
🌊 Committee for Coastal Resilience
🏠 Nautilus Architects

Audience questions sparked thoughtful discussions about mulch placement, seawall installation, and native plant choices—Jessica Matteson’s favorite? Moonbeam Coreopsis! One of the standout themes was the emerging shift from traditional lawns to biodiverse natural meadows that better manage stormwater during heavy rains.

We’re proud to be part of this critical conversation on sustainable coastal living. Stay tuned for the next Rooted Solutions gathering!

#RootedSolutions #CoastalResilience #RainGardens #SustainableDesign #NautilusArchitects #LandscapeArchitecture #StormwaterManagement #NaturalMeadows #OldLymeEvents #DesignWithNature

 

Nautilus Architects invites you to Rooted Solutions, a special workshop on Tuesday, July 17, exploring how to design gardens that conserve water, protect against flooding, and align with evolving climate goals. We’ll cover practical solutions for residential properties on the Connecticut shoreline — from code-compliant rain gardens to sustainable plantings that thrive in coastal conditions.
🗓️ July 17 | 🌍 Old Lyme, CT | 🧠 Free educational session
This is the first in a series of monthly events for builders, designers, and the architecture community.
#SustainableLandscaping #CoastalDesign #RainGardens #ArchitectureEvents #NautilusArchitects

Nautilus Architects is the premier source for sustainable landscape design on the Connecticut shoreline.
Our expertise goes beyond architecture — we create outdoor environments that are beautiful, resilient, and aligned with the demands of a changing climate. From rain gardens that manage stormwater naturally to low-maintenance plantings that thrive in coastal conditions, every design reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and code compliance.

With decades of experience and a forward-thinking approach, Nautilus Architects leads the way in designing landscapes that conserve water, reduce runoff, and support ecological balance — all while elevating the visual appeal and value of your property.

Build smarter. Landscape with purpose. Design for the future.
Choose Nautilus Architects — where great design meets great responsibility.

Event Agenda

4:00 PM – Welcome & Registration

  • Light refreshments

  • Attendee networking in the garden courtyard

  • Display of sustainable garden design elements and materials

4:15 PM – Opening Remarks

  • Christopher Arelt, Founder, Nautilus Architects

  • Introduction to the Rooted Solutions event series and the importance of design in climate resilience

4:30 PM – Panel Discussion: Designing with Resilience
Topic: “Rain Gardens as Climate Solutions: Aesthetic, Functional, and Code-Compliant Design”
Moderator: Barbara Arelt, Nautilus Architects

Featured Panelists:

  • Jessica Matteson, Matteson Landscape Architecture

  • David Noyes, WaterStreet Design Associates

  • Corey Jorgensen, Wesley Stout Associates

  • Jamie Greacen, Connecticut Coastal Resilience Specialist

  • Linda Turner, Gardens Coordinator, Florence Griswold Museum

Panel Discussion Topics:

  • How rain gardens mitigate flooding and support biodiversity

  • Balancing performance with design aesthetics in coastal homes

  • Navigating environmental permitting and regulatory frameworks

  • Planting strategies, site design, and soil composition

  • Lessons from local case studies and public gardens

5:15 PM – Q&A with the Panelists

  • Audience questions and shared community insights

  • Open dialogue with designers, gardeners, and resilience experts

5:45 PM – Networking & Garden Walk

  • Tour of garden demonstration areas at Nautilus Architects

  • One-on-one conversations with the panelists

  • Light refreshments and informal discussion

6:00 PM – Event Close

 

INSPIRATION