Rain gardens are one easy way to return water to our aquifer, reduce erosion in your yard and help reduce stormwater runoff.
Rain gardens are low lying areas that collect rain, using plants to filter the water before letting it soak into the ground. These can be natural low-lying areas or they can be constructed in whatever size or shape you want. There are many ways to create one, including building up the earth on slopes (rises) with swales (dips), which slows runoff from heavy rains.
Benefits — as per the University of Florida Extension Service program for Florida Friendly Landscaping practices – are:
Most of the stormwater remains onsite and is filtered through plants and soil, reducing pollution coming from the landscape- Captured water can be used to irrigate landscape plants
- Stormwater management protects the landscape from erosion
- Your healthy landscape may protect the quality of Florida’s waters
Rain gardens are especially useful for collecting runoff from paved surfaces.
When selecting plants consider your site conditions and select plants that are not just water-tolerant, but also drought-tolerant for the dry times between rains.
GOOD RESOURCE: The 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Be part of the solution. DONATE TODAY. Or support the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition by becoming a SPONSOR.
See the calendar for events in your area. Read about the October 2 event at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville.