What is a Rain Garden?
Rain gardens are landscaped areas planted with wild flowers and other native vegetation that soak up rain water from the roof of a house or other building. After a storm, the rain garden fills up with a few inches of water and slowly infiltrates into the soil. This reduces the amount of water running off the ground and into a storm drain. A rain garden allows about 30% more water to soak into the ground than a conventional lawn.
Why are Rain Gardens Important?
- Increases infiltration into ground which recharges aquifers.
- Helps protect communities from flooding and drainage problems.
- Helps protect lakes and rivers from pollutants carried off urban stormwater.
- Enhances the beauty of yards and neighborhoods.
- Provides habitat for birds and butterflies.