Our environment’s capacity to carry out its normal functions declines as development increases. This is due to the impermeable surfaces that have been placed over the natural landscape that was once capable of absorbing and cleaning stormwater. Simply put, impervious surfaces are those through which water cannot pass. Impervious surfaces include but are not limited to, highways, driveways, and rooftops. More impermeable surfaces lead to more stormwater runoff, which increases the likelihood that pollution will enter our rivers through our storm sewer systems. Nonpoint source pollution is the term used to describe this kind of contamination that comes from stormwater overflow. According to studies, runoff from the activities we engage in our yards and gardens is responsible for up to 70% of the pollution in our streams, rivers, and lakes.

Soil, fertilisers, pesticides, pet faeces, grass clippings, and other yard trash are some of the typical “nonpoint source contaminants” from our yards that wind up in our nearby rivers. The rain gardens allow rainwater that would otherwise overflow your land to seep into the earth instead. By doing this, we can lessen runoff and the quantity of pollution that enters our waterways. The following tasks are accomplished by rain gardens: they filter stormwater runoff before it enters nearby waterways, reduce flooding and drainage issues, recharge the groundwater supply, provides habitat and food for wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, and improve the aesthetics of yards and neighbourhoods.

Native plants to Michigan are the greatest kinds of plants to utilize in a rain garden. Why? The soils and the climate have allowed native plants in Michigan to adapt and thrive. They require little to no fertiliser or pesticides and, once established, only intermittent watering, making them simple to care for. Native plants have extensive root systems that allow water to penetrate the soil deeply and minimise soil erosion.

Recharging nearby groundwater is one of the most potent benefits of installing your rain garden. An extremely valuable natural resource is groundwater. Most rural people rely on it as their main source of drinking water, and it is mostly used for irrigation. For wildlife and flora, groundwater is frequently their sole reliable source of clean water. Rain gardens collect contaminated runoff and filter it while allowing the water to soak into the earth. Because of this, you should always make sure the flowers and shrubs you choose to plant are appropriate and adaptable to pollutants that will infiltrate the soil, as well as plants that can also thrive in drier conditions, when there may not be as much stormwater – and, as a bonus, to minimise your gardening maintenance!

Finally, rain gardens give urbanised regions a sense of beauty and tranquilly. Sometimes we spend so much time and energy on architectural ideas that we lose sight of how important it is for natural components to seem appealing. A house or crowded city area is greatly improved in terms of aesthetic appeal and sustainability by beautiful flowers and the animals they attract.

Look at your property and figure out where the water goes to decrease stormwater runoff. To collect runoff from downspouts, driveways, or sump pumps and prevent the water from entering the sewer system, a rain garden should be placed close to the source of the runoff. Even though a single rain garden might seem insignificant, when they are all together, they have a significant positive impact on the ecology of the neighbourhood and community. Water quality is improved through rain gardens, which can cut down on pollution by up to 30% before it reaches creeks and streams.