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surroundings such as shorelines, wetlands <br />andlor neighborhoad culture and environment; <br />personaf tastes and interesls of the land <br />owner{s); <br />local codes, association covenants and other <br />requirements pfaced by government agencies. <br />What is a Rain Garden? <br />A rain garden is a relat�vely si�rall area of plantings <br />near the drain spout of a building or paved area. <br />Rainwater {or snowfall) is routed ta the garden and <br />aEbwed to percolate down into #he graund- any <br />overflow is filtered by th� plants. T�is tra�ping of <br />wa#er and the filtratian process remov�s n�trients <br />and pollutants. <br />By ac#ing as a micro-detention pond, the rain <br />garden plants and soils provide an easy, natural <br />way of reducing ihe amount ai water that flows from <br />rooftops, lawns, and dri�eways. Then, using the <br />concept of bio-retention, these gardens remove <br />pollutants from storm water and help restore natural <br />infiltra#ior�. <br />How fhey work: Under the general practice of storm <br />wat�r managernent, rainwater is allowed to flow out <br />into the street and into storm sewers. Eventually ii <br />flows inta our regional lakes and strearrES. This <br />storm water carries polfufants such as chemicais <br />and feriilizers from our lawns and dri�eways. By <br />infiftrating the rainwater as close as possible to <br />where it falls, we can reduce the irr�pact on our <br />lakes and str�ams, as well as the Eocal wildlife. <br />Rain gardens can be established on existing lots. <br />The most difficult work might be in removing the <br />existing grass arrd plants. Most gardens are <br />created by digging a shalfow depression in the <br />landscape. Sand andlor gravel, soil and organic <br />r�ulch are then Eayered inta the garden area if an- <br />site infiltration is poor. <br />Next, plants are selected and piaced in the garden. <br />Hardy native plant species (wi#h deep root sys#ems) <br />are preferred. Trees and shrubs can also be <br />utilized. <br />Location, location, locafion: Rainwater gardens car� <br />work vir#ually everywhere. Their location, siz�, and <br />effectiveness depend an such thir�gs as the amount <br />of rain that moves from a houselbuilding, the <br />number and location of downspou#s, soil types and <br />th� plants used. The gardens are practica! ir� <br />landscaped areas along dri�es or waiks, corner <br />pieces #o the yard, and as receiving areas for roof <br />downspouts or sump pump hoses. <br />Rain garden in City str�ei bauievard <br />What's in it forme?: Mairrtenance is minirr�al o�ce <br />the rainwa#er garden is established. You may need <br />to do some weeding, as with any garden or lawn, or <br />replace plants that ha�e died. Sorr�e additionaf <br />benefits: <br />• Requires anly accasional weeding and liftfe <br />maintenance, less yard work anc� more time #or <br />leisure. <br />• Efficiently and effectively filters a substantial <br />amount of runoff <br />e Attracts birds and butterflies <br />• Aes#hetic fandscaping for your property <br />• Helps recharge and renew neighborhood <br />groundwater <br />• Slows flow of water from houselbuilding <br />• Passible deferrent to flash fioodir�g <br />