http://gardeninggonewild.com/?p=28826
EXCERPT: Why has rain gardening become so popular over the past decade? Because it offers a beautiful, low-maintenance garden, provides food and shelter for wildlife, and helps the environment.
[...] During storms, a huge amount of water runoff can be seen flowing out of gutters, off of roofs and down driveways. A rain garden can absorb a lot of this excess water that otherwise would build up and cause flooding, or carry pollutants into local streams, lakes and rivers as it washes away. For this reason, it’s a good idea to locate your rain garden next to hard surfaces such as a driveway or sidewalk, which will reduce runoff into the sewers. Or, to direct runoff from your downspout, you can bury pipe that carries water to the garden.
[...] A rain garden can be planned to provide enjoyment throughout the year. It’s generally most efficient when designed to include many native trees, bushes and perennials (native plants tend to have deep roots that help make soil more porous and aid the absorption of rain).
Among the benefits of a rain garden...
EXCERPT: Why has rain gardening become so popular over the past decade? Because it offers a beautiful, low-maintenance garden, provides food and shelter for wildlife, and helps the environment.
[...] During storms, a huge amount of water runoff can be seen flowing out of gutters, off of roofs and down driveways. A rain garden can absorb a lot of this excess water that otherwise would build up and cause flooding, or carry pollutants into local streams, lakes and rivers as it washes away. For this reason, it’s a good idea to locate your rain garden next to hard surfaces such as a driveway or sidewalk, which will reduce runoff into the sewers. Or, to direct runoff from your downspout, you can bury pipe that carries water to the garden.
[...] A rain garden can be planned to provide enjoyment throughout the year. It’s generally most efficient when designed to include many native trees, bushes and perennials (native plants tend to have deep roots that help make soil more porous and aid the absorption of rain).
Among the benefits of a rain garden...