Rain gardens are landscaped areas designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, and sidewalks. By incorporating native plants and deep-rooted vegetation, they help reduce flooding, improve water quality, and add greenery to urban spaces. Here’s a breakdown of how rain gardens work and their benefits:

How Rain Gardens Work

1. Capture Runoff: Rain gardens are strategically placed to collect rainwater, often near downspouts, driveways, or paved areas.

2. Slow Infiltration: The rainwater pools in the garden, allowing it to slowly soak into the ground rather than quickly flowing into storm drains.

3. Filtration: As the water infiltrates the soil, pollutants like sediment, nutrients, and heavy metals are naturally filtered out.

4. Absorption: Deep-rooted plants help absorb water, further reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.

Benefits of Rain Gardens

• Flood Mitigation: By capturing excess runoff, rain gardens can help prevent local flooding and reduce the strain on stormwater systems.

• Improved Water Quality: They reduce pollutants from entering streams and rivers.

• Wildlife Habitat: Native plants attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, promoting local biodiversity.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Rain gardens add visual appeal to landscapes, creating a natural, vibrant feature.