When spring and fall weather started, it will always rain. Have you heard about rain gardens? This is lovely solution to a big and ugly problem the storm water run-off. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that as much as 70% of pollution in surface water comes from storm water run-off. Half of that pollution in surface water comes from individual homes rather than businesses. When rain runs off our roofs, driveways, lawns and streets into our neighborhood storm sewers, many pollutants are carried along with it. Road salt, pet waste, lawn chemicals, bird droppings, garbage spills, fuel, oil and antifreeze are all washed into the drains.
What we need to do is creating a rain garden is one way to redirect run-off from roofs, driveways and lawns into a small planned perennial garden. Begin by preparing a shallow, bowl shaped pond area of loose, absorbent soil at a low point between your home and storm sewer, then plant native wildflowers and grasses. With this garden, rain remains on your property and recharges groundwater rather than taxing the local storm water system. The soil naturally filters and traps organic materials and bacteria in the soil break this matter down. Green living is more than a trend. It’s an important step on the path to creating a positive impact on our local and global environment.
