Gardens That Drink the Rain

Gardens That Drink the Rain

1In many cities and towns, much of the ground is covered by hard surfaces. Roofs, streets, parking lots, and sidewalks do not let water pass through them. When it rains, the water cannot soak into the ground. Instead, it runs across these surfaces and rushes into storm drains, which often lead to nearby streams.

2This runoff causes trouble. Because it moves so quickly, a lot of water can arrive in a stream all at once, and the stream may flood. The runoff also picks up dirt, oil, and trash along the way. As a result, the stream becomes dirty, and fish and other animals have a harder time living there.

3One solution is a rain garden. A rain garden is a shallow, bowl-shaped garden planted with flowers, grasses, and shrubs that can handle wet soil. It is placed where water from a roof or driveway can flow into it. Instead of rushing into a drain, the rain stays in the garden and slowly soaks into the ground. The soil and roots also trap some dirt and oil, which keeps the water cleaner.

4Building a rain garden takes several steps. First, a family or a class picks a spot where water already collects, away from the house. Next, they dig a shallow bowl and mix good soil into it. Then they plant flowers and grasses that can live through both wet and dry weather. Finally, they spread mulch around the plants to hold in moisture.

5One rain garden will not stop every flood. However, many small gardens can add up. When more rain soaks into the ground, streams stay cleaner and calmer, and bees, butterflies, and birds get a new place to visit.