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Rain gardens to help environment
Rain gardens exist primarily to filter rainwater. Rainwater landing on hard surfaces such as roofs, paved areas, driveways and paths is channelled through pipes into the rain garden, where pollutants are extracted from the water via natural means. The water can then be returned safely to the wider environment.
There are two main types of raingardens - classic 'biofiltration' rain gardens and 'infiltration' rain gardens. Both are enclosed areas of sand or soil surrounded by a barrier -often a wall made of stone or other masonry - and filled with plants.
In the classic biofiltration system the filtered water is directed out of the rain garden via a pipe that leads into stormwater drains, which then flow into natural river and creek systems.
"When rain lands it picks up all sorts of pollutants." says landscape gardener Dean Speldewinde from Hardart. Dean is a certified sustainable landscape gardener and a specialist in rain gardens. "Rain gardens filter the water of these pollutants, so when the water runs into the environment it is less likely to damage it. °
Rain hitting hard surfaces washes all manner of pollution off and carries it away. Nutrient-rich bird droppings and heavy metals such as zinc and lead, along with elements like phosphorus and nitrogen, are picked up as the water moves across these surfaces, and these pollutants can harm the environment.
' Nitrogen and phosphorus encourage algal blooms in our waterways." says Dean. "The
more of these things we can take out of the water before it re-enters the environment, the better."
So, to help the environment, raingardens extract heavy metals from the water as it moves downwards through the soil or sand. Plants that feed on phosphorus and nitrogen take these elements from the water. Other nitrogen-based compounds are broken down as they come into contact with composting carbon in the bottom of the rain garden.
Plants that extract phosphorus and nitrogen are best suited to rain gardens. Tussock grass like Tall Sedge (Carex appressa), paperbarks (Melaleuca), and rush grasses like Juncas amabilis and Juncas flavidis are some examples.
An infiltration rain garden has no lining and is designed to allow the filtered water to seep through into the soil below, benefiting the water table along with the garden more generally.
Raingardens are extremely attractive to look at, and can bring an unusual and interesting element to any garden. "They look a little bit like a pond without any water in it," says Dean.
So why not consider putting a rain garden in your outdoor spaces? Get the neighbours talking, add interest and individuality to your garden, and help the environment too.
The views expressed are those of the author and not of Sensis and do not constitute an endorsement by Sensis of any product, service or supplier.
Source: Internet Courtesy Home