Changes

On the outside, [[rain gardens]] look like a typical garden. However, their function is much greater than a normal garden. Rain gardens are landscaped areas that include a surface depression of approximately 150 mm (6 inches) that allows runoff from residential property to collect and easily absorb into the ground. Within the rain garden a special type of soil, '[[filter media]]' or [[soil amendments]] are used to improve the amount of water that gets absorbed by the garden and infiltrated into the native soils.

On the outside, [[rain gardens]] look like a typical garden. However, their function is much greater than a normal garden. Rain gardens are landscaped areas that include a surface depression of approximately 150 mm (6 inches) that allows runoff from residential property to collect and easily absorb into the ground. Within the rain garden a special type of soil, '[[filter media]]' or [[soil amendments]] are used to improve the amount of water that gets absorbed by the garden and infiltrated into the native soils.

Location is very important to a functioning rain garden. When looking at potential locations, look for low areas where runoff can be easily be directed into the garden. Rain gardens are a great option for residential LID retrofits because homeowners can customize the garden to suit theirdesired style. They can be planted with a variety of vegetation including [[Shrubs: List| shrubs]], [[Graminoids: List|grasses]] and [[Perennials: List|flowers]].

Location is very important to a functioning rain garden. When looking at potential locations, look for low areas where runoff can be easily be directed into the garden. Rain gardens are a great option for residential LID retrofits because homeowners can customize the garden to suit their desired style. They can be planted with a variety of vegetation including [[Shrubs: List| shrubs]], [[Graminoids: List|grasses]] and [[Perennials: List|flowers]].

A well-designed rain garden can be maintained with minimal care which is a great marketing point for homeowners. In the first two years, the plants will need watering to ensure they become established. After this establishment period, the garden should only need simple maintenance such as weeding.

A well-designed rain garden can be maintained with minimal care which is a great marketing point for homeowners. In the first two years, the plants will need watering to ensure they become established. After this establishment period, the garden should only need simple maintenance such as weeding.