RAIN Garden

        This garden is sponsored by the NC Aboretum and was created and planted in June, 2017. A small overlook deck to view the new amphibious residents that enjoy the water has now been installed. This area is an ecoEXPLORE Hot Spot...so watch for kids as they take pictures and earn points. 

This is the area BEFORE we began installation.....

and AFTER finishing...............................................

       Look for tadpoles, salamanders and frogs from the observation area.  Watch as the flowers come to life as well.

What are rain gardens?    Areas planted with wild flowers and other native vegetation that soak up run-off rain water. The rain garden fills with a few inches of water after a heavy or prolonged rain and the water slowly filters into the ground rather than running off to a storm drain.  Compared to a conventional patch of ground, a rain garden allows about 30% more water to soak into the ground.

Why are rain gardens important?   As areas develop and replace forests and agricultural land, increased storm water runoff from impervious surfaces becomes a problem such as increased flooding; carrying pollutants from parking lots and even lawns into local streams and lakes. This can lead to costly municipal improvements in storm water treatment structures. By reducing stormwater runoff, rain gardens can be a valuable part of changing these trends.

While an individual rain garden may seem like a small thing, collectively they produce substantial neighborhood and community environmental benefits. Rain gardens work for us in several ways: Increasing the amount of water that filters into the ground, which recharges local and regional aquifers; Helping protect communities from flooding and drainage problems; Helping protect streams and lakes from pollutants carried by urban storm water – lawn fertilizers and pesticides, oil and other fluids that leak from cars, and numerous harmful substances that wash off roofs and paved areas; Enhancing the beauty of yards and neighborhoods; Providing valuable habitat for birds, butterflies and many beneficial insects.

     We're looking for someone interested in rain gardens that would be willing to champion this garden.  If interested, contact Ed @ 828.333.3883.