RAIN GARDENS AND THEIR BENEFITS
There are significant benefits to planting a rain garden.
A rain garden is designed to manage runoff water in a way that is more beneficial to the environment. Runoff from surfaces that prevent the absorption of water into the ground (roads, roofs, sidewalks, etc.) flows into the rain garden, which is planted in a depression. Instead of collecting in stormwater drains, that water becomes available for plants as groundwater. The garden should be planted with deep-rooted plants that are native to the area. The plants will intercept water that is polluted with oil, chemicals and salt and naturally clean and filter it. The deep roots will move water downward into the ground. Native plants are often colorful and will attract insects to their nectar and birds to their seeds.
- less flooding after heavy rainfall
- fewer pollutants ending up in the water supply
- reduced need to water because runoff water is absorbed into the ground
- more birds and insects attracted by colorful native plants
A rain garden is designed to manage runoff water in a way that is more beneficial to the environment. Runoff from surfaces that prevent the absorption of water into the ground (roads, roofs, sidewalks, etc.) flows into the rain garden, which is planted in a depression. Instead of collecting in stormwater drains, that water becomes available for plants as groundwater. The garden should be planted with deep-rooted plants that are native to the area. The plants will intercept water that is polluted with oil, chemicals and salt and naturally clean and filter it. The deep roots will move water downward into the ground. Native plants are often colorful and will attract insects to their nectar and birds to their seeds.