The Rain Garden
A rain garden is a garden of native shrubs, perennials, and flowers planted in a small depression, which is generally formed on a natural slope. It is designed to temporarily hold and soak in rain water runoff that flows from roofs, driveways, patios or lawns. Rain Gardens and bioswales are examples of green infrastructure. By encouraging water to stay on site, both can help reduce downstream flooding.
What are the benefits of rain gardens?
Improves water quality by filtering out pollutants
Aesthetically pleasing
Preserves native vegetation
Provides localized stormwater and flood control
Attracts beneficial birds, butterflies, and insects
Easy to maintain after establishment
Why is Rainwater Runoff a Problem?
When it rains, water flows off surfaces like roofs and driveways. This water picks up pollutants such as dirt, fertilizer, chemicals, oil, trash, and bacteria. The dirty water then enters storm drains without treatment and goes straight into nearby streams and ponds. The US EPA estimates that rainwater runoff carries 70% of all water pollution. Rain gardens help by collecting this runoff. They allow plants to filter the water and let it seep into the ground, which helps replenish groundwater. This process removes pollutants from the water..
Explore Further: At-Home Activity
If you’re wondering how to make the most of the rain Texas gets, try building a rain garden! Rain gardens are comprised of native perennials, shrubs, and flowers planted in a shallow depression designed to hold and soak rainwater into the soil. Rain gardens can provide so many benefits, including reducing flooding, improving water quality, and replenishing groundwater.