what is a rain garden?

Answer 1

A rain garden is basically a garden that has been designed to be watered by the rain and run-off water comming off roofs and pipes only.

This a natural sollution of using stormwater that would just go down a drain and never reach any plants.

It is also a way of improving water quality in the area since the storm water just picks up any pollution off the streets along its way to rivers or lakes.

A pretty neat idea!

You can find extensive information on this ecological use of water on:

http://www.raingardens.org/Index.php
http://www.infinetivity.com/~stack/rain/

Answer 2

Rain gardens are a way for homeowners as well as businesses to participate in the reduction of polluted runoff, simply by planting a specialized garden. Rain Gardens are an infiltration technique - water is captured in a garden that features native plantings, and the water has a chance to slowly filter into the ground rather than run off into the storm sewer. It is a popular way to reduce nonpoint source pollution and has been popular along the East Coast for a number of years.

Answer 3

A rain garden is planted with native/wild plants and is designed to collect rain water and/or runoff water so that the water can be filtered before it goes to the water table.
Native plants are used because they have long, deep roots that can tolerate large quanities of water and also they don't dry out like grass does when there is a drought (grass has very shallow roots - so do trees!)
My husband and I put in one last spring and it is becoming a focal point in our neighborhood as well as in our yard!

Go to: www.uri.edu/ce/healthylandscape/raingarden.htm
for more information

Answer 4

Garden that's hardy enough to trive on just rain water.