Thursday, April 14, 2016

6 Reasons to Install a Rain Garden

by Jennifer Wemhoff, The Groundwater Foundation

Spring is here, and along with it comes spring yardwork. Spruce up your landscape and help control stormwater runoff by installing a rain garden in your yard this spring. 

Here are 6 reasons to install a rain garden at your home or business:

1. They help improve water quality.
Rain gardens collect and hold rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other impvervious surfaces, allowing the water to be filtered by the vegetation.

2. They help recharge groundwater.
Since rain gardens collect rainwater, rather than allowing it to run off into storm drains, the water has time to percolate into the soil, recharging groundwater.

3. They are low maintenance.
Rain gardens typically incorporate native vegetation, which requires no fertilizer and minimal maintenance after the first year or so.

4. They look nice.
Rain gardens are an attractive addition to any landscape, generally featuring a mix of perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and wildflowers.

5. They help with flood control.
During heavy rain events, rain gardens help reduce the load on existing stormwater infrastructure, while decreasing the nutrient load.

6. They attract beneficial birds, butterflies, and insects.
The plants included in rain gardens provide habitat for these creatures that are crucial to the ecosystem.

Want to know more and find out how to install a rain garden? Go here.

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