When it comes to rain gardens, design matters for more than just aesthetics. Rain gardens are meant to serve an important purpose in capturing rainwater runoff, and both the plants and structure of the garden determine its effectiveness.
To help you learn more about rain gardens, here are some key benefits and design elements to know:
Why are rain gardens important?
Rainwater runoff can be a huge problem in both urban and suburban areas without much natural vegetation. In areas prone to storms, rainwater collects in the streets, overflowing sewer drains and causing floods. A rain garden helps mitigate this issue by imitating the way the natural landscape handles excess water.
By directing heavy rain to a rain garden, you can slow the flow and reduce the chance of stormwater runoff overwhelming the storm sewer system.
How do rain gardens work?
The basic rain garden design is a shallow basin. Water naturally pools at the lowest point, where it gradually absorbs into the soil to nourish the plants. Unlike a bog or a garden pond, a well-designed rain garden dries in a few days. This means you won’t have to worry about standing water attracting mosquitos or other pests.
What are the best rain garden plants?
It’s a good idea to include a range of different plants when designing rain gardens. Diversity of shapes, sizes and root systems will better mimic the natural landscape and provide better drainage.
Some of the most popular plant choices include switchgrass, blue cardinal flower and marsh marigold. When in doubt, it’s always worth choosing native plants for your rain garden design that will thrive in your climate and support the local ecosystem.
About the Author
Amie Lindwall-Belile
As your real estate professional, Amie has an extensive knowledge of the local real estate market to meet your needs. Born and raised in Fairfield County she understands the true value of this area. If your money’s involved, then the stakes are high. You can have confidence that Amie will get the job done. Licensed in 2004, she won her office’s Rookie of the Year award. Since then, she has been recognized as a multi-million dollar producer, an Honor Society member, Agent of the Month on numerous occasions and has received various other awards for her successes.
Having graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Communications focusing on technology, she is able to provide her clients with the most comprehensive cutting edge services and tools. She is the co-founder of an organization close to her heart, The Dennis Lindwall Foundation, running annual events to raise money for pediatric cancer related causes. Over the years, the Dennis Lindwall Foundation has donated more than $100,000 to these charities.
Whether you are buying or selling a home in Fairfield County, you can rest assured that she will work very hard for you. With Amie, you will get the professional yet personalized care that you deserve. Take the first step into this exciting process, with Amie Lindwall-Belile.
