This is how the Swales look fourteen months into the project. We dreamed and hoped for about an 80% survival and return the second year. Did not believe we would get it but WE DID. We are thrilled so far.
Of significant note is that we this spring was extremely dry. Less that 1/2 inch of rain this May and the Swales while almost empty kept everything nicely watered and thriving. A 1/2 inch of rain yesterday replenished some but more rain would be nice, we always hope for 1/2 to 1 inch a week. But not going to complain about the sunny days and warm pleasant weather, a rarity for Western New York or so it seems.
New to the Swales this year are marigolds, persimmons and mulberry.