Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are a simple and effective way to decrease or in some cases eliminate the harm done by runoff caused by rain coming off the roof of a building or by poor drainage situations. A slight depression is made in the soil to capture the waters coming out of gutter drains or water rushing off an impermeable, paved surface. The size of the garden is dependant upon the volume of water that will need to be captured and the soil conditions present on the site. Plant material that enjoys being occasionally “flooded” are planted in this area. During a rain, the water is collected in the rain garden and “captured”. This garden then will release the water by letting it infiltrate back into the ground, thus eliminating run off and the harm caused by runoff. The plant material removes the pollutants from the water. Not only do you have a beautiful, colorful new garden but this garden also attracts and benefits wildlife. Water in this rain garden is not intended to remain. It should seep into the soil. Water should only last in the garden for up to six hours after a storm. The purpose of the garden is to allow water to infiltrate - not pond.

The infiltration rate is increased due to the plant material growing in the garden. Mosquitos will not have enough time to grow in these situations because a mosquito requires10 to 14 days from egg to adult. By creating a rain garden you will lessen or even eliminate the harmful effects of runoff, you will allow for a positive way of water infiltration, you will help with reduction of pollutants in the ground water, add color to the landscape and provide for wildlife.

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