A rain garden on Second Street is slated for some big and small changes in the coming months.

Langley Public Works Director Stan Berryman reported to the city council at its Oct. 19 meeting that new plantings will be installed in the 600-square-foot bumpout near the intersection with Anthes Avenue.

The rain garden, designed to help filter and treat storm water runoff before joining Brookhaven Creek as it winds toward Saratoga Passage at Seawall Park, experienced several problems since it was constructed in the first half of 2014.

Built as part of the Second Street redesign, it was meant to be a feature and functional garden of the street. An extended period of dry, hot days led the rush plants to become too big, wilt and fold over under their own weight. Three vine maple trees planted by the contracted construction company are struggling and close to dying. They were valued at about $320.

Langley Main Street Association, thanks to its intern Emily Martin, stepped in and offered a new plan for plantings that will both look and operate better, they hope. Martin, who graduated from South Whidbey High School and returned after graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in horticulture, developed the plan for the city.

The association was going to officially present it to the city council later with a funding request for the work and plants.