I have mentioned the benefits of rain gardens many times, but the The Montgomery County website describes their benefits better than I can:
Environmental Benefits
Most rainfall on urban surfaces such as roofs, driveways, roads, parking lots and patios ends up as stormwater runoff. In contrast rainfall on natural surfaces (e.g., forests and meadows) soaks into the ground where it can replenish groundwater and recharge streams. RainScapes techniques include rainfall capture and holding, rainfall interception, and simulating good, natural drainage which help to:
- Reduce stormwater runoff volumes from individual properties
- Reduce drainage problems on a property
- Prevent stormwater pollution from entering our streams
- Reduce water consumption during dry spells
- Reduced need for mowing, fertilizer and pesticide applications
- Enhance yard aesthetics
- Enhance wildlife habitat
- Reduce energy costs to heat and cool your home
- Increase property values
In order to help illustrate the benefits of Rainscapes, there will be a self-guided tour of Rainscapes in Montgomery County on June 16th from 9am – Noon. This is a great opportunity to see just how beautiful and effective Rainscapes can be.
To download a pdf document with descriptions of the various landscapes on the tour, click here: RainScapes Watershed Friendly Landscapes 2012
It was a beautiful day and those who found the time saw a variety of gardens that manage stormwater beautifully as well as permeate pavement and water harvesting options. If you didn't make it today, then try to stop by to see some another day as most of the published sites are on a publicly available sites.
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