Soil plays a big role in how water infiltrates into the ground it’s important to know if you need to supplement your soil with a soil mixture that promotes infiltration and that will also be good for your native plants. Now that we’ve learned about the importance of rain gardens, let’s get into building them! Here are some important things to consider when building a rain garden: Not only do they often have long roots, but they also encourage local pollinators to pay a visit to your backyard. Native plants often work best in rain gardens. They also help to absorb nutrients and pollutants as the water seeps into the soil.

The vegetation planted in a rain garden typically has roots that are as long below ground as the plant is tall above ground! These roots allow for water to infiltrate down into the soil, rather than pooling on the surface. Rain gardens are capable of improving water quality and reducing some flooding thanks in large part to the large, deep roots the plants have. Source: Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management ( ) They are depressed areas designed to capture and infiltrate rain water and stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like driveways, rooftops, and parking lots. Let’s start by addressing the obvious question: What is a rain garden? Rain gardens are landscaping features that are often built on residential or commercial properties. If rain gardens are new to you, this blog will guide you through the key steps to creating a beautiful gardenscape in your own backyard. Looking for some lawn improvements this summer? Tired of your driveway and yard ponding water after it rains? Why not install a rain garden?! Rain gardens are growing in popularity throughout Southeast Michigan, given the many ecosystem benefits and what they provide to homes and homeowners. Upcoming SEMCOG Universities and On-Demand Webinar Library.Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ).

Healthy and Attractive Environmental Assets.

Access to Services, Jobs, Markets, & Amenities.

Economic Development Maps and Data Tools.

Ann Arbor to Detroit Regional Rail Project.

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Rochester gardenscape 2018