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Benefits of a Rain GardenFrom the Rain Garden Network: ► Filter runoff pollution |
Did you know you can design a beautiful landscape in your own backyard and help protect our rivers, lakes and streams at the same time? A rain garden helps protect our waters while Rain gardens are a great benefit to your yards as well as
Rain Gardens:
Managing Water Sustainably in your Own Backyard
A rain garden is a shallow depression that is planted with native wildflowers and grasses. It is designed to collect stormwater runoff from the roofs of buildings, sidewalks and parking lots or discharge from sump pumps. Though Why does this increasingly popular landscape feature have such a function?
In nature, rain is absorbed into the soil and plants and slowly filters back into the nearest body of water. However, in urban areas covered with impervious surfaces such as pavements and rooftops, stormwater can not soak back into the ground. Instead, it becomes runoff, where water flows above ground picking up dirt, chemicals and other pollutants before it flows into the sewer system or directly into a body of water.
Polluted stormwater runoff has many adverse affects to the plants, animals and natural communities it contaminates. According to Environmental Protection Agency studies, up to 70% of the pollution in our water is carried there by runoff. By installing a rain garden, more of the water that runs off the roof, lawn and driveway is retained in the soil. Compared to a patch of lawn, a rain garden can allow 30% more water to soak into the ground.
A rain garden should be located in an area that recieves runoff - from the roof's downspout or near driveways. Use a natural depression in the land or dig out a shallow bowl for the middle of the garden where the water can be held while it soaks into the ground. The rest of the garden should be completely planted with native wetland or wet prarie species. Wildflowers add variety and color that will attract birds and butterflies to your yard; sedges and grasses will help support the taller plants and provide a wild look to the garden. It may take a some work to get your rain garden started, but don't give up on it. Once plants mature, maintanence is low and you'll have a beautiful garden and natural water filter in your backyard.
How to Build a Rain Garden
Rain gardens are a wonderful way to help promote clean water in your community and have a unique landscape feature in your own yard. Fall (and spring) is generally a good time to create Many local organizations offer free resources on designing and installing a rain garden. Listed below are just a few resources to help you get started.
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource's "Rain Gardens: A how-to manual for homeowners" by Roger Bannerman
- A Guide to Build Your Own Rain Garden (including a list of native species to use) by the Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation & Development
- Applied Ecological Services, Inc. detailed guide on Rain Garden Design and Installation
- Rain Garden Design Templates from Low Impact Development Center
- Virginia Department of Forestry's Rain Gardens - a Technical Guide
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © E. Blando/The Nature Conservancy.
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