Raingardens: What are they?
A raingarden is a planted depression designed to take as much rainwater runoff from buildings, parking lots, streets, and other impervious surfaces. Ideally raingardens not only filter runoff, but also absorb all, or at least part of the runoff produced by an average rain storm. Water bodies downstream of raingardens typically have improved water quality and are not as prone to flash flooding.
Raingardens are planted with native, deep-rooting grasses, sedges, flowers, shrubs, and trees. The deep root structures of these plants allow raingardens to absorb much more runoff than a typical lawn. The plants, as well as the soil, also help filter out harmful pollutants such as oil or heavy metals.
When raingardens are constructed, the soil is tilled and loosened. Depending on conditions, peat and/or sand may be added to the soil. These amendments to the soil are crucial to allow the plants to root deeper into the soil. They also allow water to percolate more easily down through the soil. Conditions such as having heavy clay soils or having compacted soils usually warrant the additions of peat and/or sand.
Raingardens are wonderful stormwater management tools that blend beautifully into the landscape. In fact, many who pass raingardens do not realize that they are seeing any more than someone’s ordinary flower garden. Nearly anyone can have a raingarden; even if you own just a 1/4 acre in a subdivision, or live on a 400 acre farm.
The SWCD has constructed a demonstration raingarden on the Fairgrounds. The raingarden is located at the gate on the southwest side of the SWCD building. This completed garden is availible for anyone to come and enjoy on their own. Another raingarden has been constructed at Pattison Park off SR 50 just west of Owensville. If you have any questions about raingardens, give the SWCD office a call at 732-7075.