Save Rain in Gardens or Barrels

1. Save Rain in Gardens or Barrels Rain Gardens are more than just pretty places! Rain gardens are an effective way to reduce runoff pollution and control local flooding and erosion by keeping rainwater in your yard and out of the storm drain. These gardens recreate a forest meadow or prairie and can collect about 40% more water than conventional lawn. Location: rain gardens can be placed in a naturally low-lying area of the lawn, or along a road or driveway to catch runoff from paved areas. Use native flowering plants in your rain garden; once they are established, your garden will need minimal care. For information on how to create your own rain garden, visit the Indiana Division of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at www.iaswcd.org/PathwayGarden.htm Image courtesy iaswcd.org Rain Barrels are an old-fashioned idea that are finding new life in today’s gardens. Did you know that one inch of rainfall on 1000 square feet of roof amounts to 623 gallons of water? At that rate, a 55 gallon rain barrel will fill up pretty fast! Rain barrels are an easy way to take advantage of all that free water falling from the sky; it makes sense to save it and use it later for watering the lawn and garden, or even washing the car (on the grass, of course). Some gardeners connect soaker hoses to their barrels to make watering effortless! To learn more about making your own rain barrel visit www.iaswcd.org/PathwayBarrel.htm Image courtesy iaswcd.org Brought to you by the MS4 Municipal Stormwater Community Partnership and Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission 6100 Southport Road Portage IN 46368 For more information contact Mary Beth Wiseman, Environmental Planner mwiseman@nirpc.org