Sustainable landscapes can take many different forms and mean completely different things to people.For people who live in arid regions, xeriscaping is a beautiful solution to the challenges of natural conditions. For homeowners who live in the Great Lakes State, which seldom experiences drought, rain gardens can be similarly lovely and functional.
The purpose of a rain garden is to retain water that has run off from a building or structure. The footprint or size of the garden will determine how much water will run off. A functioning and properly sized rain garden will be able to contain all the runoff water. If positioned and planned correctly, the rain garden location can not only be functional but also beautiful, a wonderful addition to any landscape. There are so many perennial plants that thrive in this environment, simultaneously thriving and preventing pollutants from entering the water supply.
Water that remains on site rather than filling storm or waste water drains does not need to be treated or filtered by municipalities. In colder climates rain gardens keep melting snow runoff from refreezing on drives and parking lots which enhances safety and reduces de-icer use. Rain gardens usually replace turf making them more sustainable in terms of reduced irrigation, fertilizer and weed control use. Another most important benefit is the sheer beauty of these perennials in season!
Rain gardens are a great additional to your property. For more information about rain garden construction, contact me at dbakhuyzen@procarelandscape.com or 616-583-9820 or check out Rain Garden Network for ideas on how to create your own.