Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are shallow gardens designed to absorb rainwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, roads, and other hard surfaces, including turfgrass lawns. They allow water to soak into the ground, reducing runoff. Tough plants that thrive during brief periods of inundation as well as drought do well in rain gardens, and they can be installed in a variety of residential and commercial landscapes. Franklin Soil and Water provides technical assistance for rain gardens (site assessments, soils suitability, and planting lists) to landowners, local community groups, and municipalities. We also served as the lead for the 2007-2013 Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative (CORGI), a collaborative effort to promote the benefits of rain gardens for community beautification and clean water. 

How do they work?

• Rainwater is directed into the garden via rain chains, rain barrel overflow, downspouts, driveway drains, curb cuts, dry streambeds, or sheet flow.
• When water soaks in, less stormwater erodes our streams and rivers.
• Deep-rooted plants break up hard soils and create channels for water to move through.
• Plant uptake, physical filtration, and biological processes reduce contaminants like oil, metals, and nutrients.
  
  

Related Documents

Quick Guide to Planning and Installing Rain Gardens CORGI Native Plant.pdf Cost Benefits of Green Infrastructure.pdf Loading…