What are Rain Gardens?
A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground planted with native plants that can tolerate saturated soil. This valuable flood control method collects and filters stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other impervious surfaces.
Rain gardens work by slowing down the flow of stormwater and allowing it to soak into the ground. The plants found in rain gardens help filter out pollutants and sediments from the stormwater.
Integrating a rain garden is a relatively low-cost initiative that can help reduce flooding and establish impressive ecological habitats for a wide variety of organisms. They are an easy way to contribute to further protecting our coastal communities.
Rain Garden Benefits
- Improves water quality by filtering out sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants from stormwater runoff.
- Reduces flooding by slowing down the flow of stormwater and allowing it to soak into the ground.
- Enhances habitats. Rain gardens establish niche habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, such as frogs, lizards, soil microorganisms, birds, bees, and butterflies.
- Beautifies your landscape as rain gardens can enhance your landscape and make barren parts of your yard more aesthetically pleasing and inviting.