Rain Gardens: Water in Your Landscape

Why is residential stormwater management important?

In nature, stormwater is normally absorbed into the soil or by plant life. In managed landscapes, a higher concentration of impermeable surfaces and a low percentage of varied plant life results in a lack of absorption, which causes a large amount of water to run into water systems very quickly. This often leads to flooding and increases the chances of drinking water supplies, lakes, streams, and rivers becoming contaminated with pollutants.

How can you manage the stormwater in your landscape?

• Reduce the paved areas around your home with permeable materials that allow stormwater to pass through and be absorbed by the soil 
• Plant native plants, trees and shrubs in place of or in addition to traditional lawns 
• Install rain gardens or bioswales in areas where water tends to gather
• Install rain barrels and/or other methods of rain water harvesting to reduce the amount of water utilized by your landscape

Be sure to check out Mt. Cuba Center's latest class offerings here:
http://www.mtcubacenter.org/education/continuing-education/