Save Rain in Gardens or Barrels

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Save Rain in Gardens or Barrels
Rain Gardens are more than just pretty places!
Rain gardens are an effective way to reduce
runoff pollution and control local flooding and
erosion by keeping rainwater in your yard and out
of the storm drain. These gardens
recreate a forest meadow or prairie and can
collect about 40 more water than conventional
lawn. Location rain gardens can be placed
in a naturally low-lying area of the lawn, or
along a road or driveway to catch runoff from
paved areas. Use native flowering plants in
your rain garden once they are established, your
garden will need minimal care. For
information on how to create your own rain
garden, visit the Indiana Division of Soil and
Water Conservation Districts at
www.iaswcd.org/PathwayGarden.htm
Image courtesy iaswcd.org
Rain Barrels are an old-fashioned idea that
are finding new life in todays gardens. Did you
know that one inch of rainfall on 1000 square
feet of roof amounts to 623 gallons of water? At
that rate, a 55 gallon rain barrel will fill up
pretty fast! Rain barrels are an easy way to take
advantage of all that free water falling from the
sky it makes sense to save it and use it later
for watering the lawn and garden, or even washing
the car (on the grass, of course). Some gardeners
connect soaker hoses to their barrels to make
watering effortless! To learn more about making
your own rain barrel visit www.iaswcd.org/PathwayB
arrel.htm
Image courtesy iaswcd.org
Brought to you by the MS4 Municipal
Stormwater Community Partnership and Northwestern
Indiana Regional Planning Commission 6100
Southport Road Portage IN 46368 For more
information contact Mary Beth Wiseman,
Environmental Planner mwiseman_at_nirpc.org