Rain Gardens
What is a rain garden?
Rain gardens are shallow depressions filled with
native plants designed to catch storm water runoff from
roof gutters, streets, parking lots or other areas. Rain
gardens are being widely implemented across the country
to manage storm water, utilizing it as a resource rather
than channeling it to storm drains which lead directly
to area creeks, rivers and lakes. Managing storm water
onsite with rain gardens reduces downstream erosion, flooding,
and pollution and recharges the groundwater aquifer.
What plants are used?
Native plants are recommended because their deep roots help
water to soak in and they are able to tolerate both short
periods of standing water and drought conditions. Native
plants also don't need to be fertilized.
Will the rain gardens
cause mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes need at least a week of standing water
to complete their lifecycle from egg to adult. Poorly maintained
birdbaths and gutters are more likely than rain gardens
to serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
How do I plant my own
rain garden?
Check out the following resources from James River Basin
Partnership:
For information on native plants,
visit Grow
Native!
