Rain gardens are small depressions that collect rainwater runoff from roof downspouts, sump pump discharges, driveways, and/or lawns. The water is absorbed or infiltrated into the soil within the rain garden and/or filtered through the vegetation. Rain gardens are typically planted with various native wildflowers and grasses suited to periodically wet conditions. The primary purpose of a rain garden is to reduce the amount of water conveyed to the local stormwater system.
Benefits of rain gardens include:
- Absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff
- Removing commonplace pollutants from stormwater runoff
- Creating wildlife habitat and attracting butterflies and birds
- After the first few years of establishing they are low maintenance
- Rain gardens can be aesthetically pleasing landscaping features
Links:
https://www.glenview.il.us/about/Documents/rainbrochure.pdf
https://www.wilmette.com/download/green_initiatives/RaingardenHow2HomeownerUWExtension.pdf
Floodplain Engineering Chicago | Storm Water Management Engineering Chicago
Floodplain Engineering | Storm Water Management Engineering