Embrace the rain before it hits the drain!
The deep and extensive root systems of native Michigan plants absorb rainwater (stormwater) that would otherwise flow into the storm drain and enter our fresh water supply. Urban stormwater is a type of non-point source pollution. Water moves fast over impermeable surfaces (driveways, sidewalks, rooftops, parking lots) and that water picks up many pollutants along its pathway to our lakes and rivers. All that sediment, nutrient and pollution laden runoff can cause harmful algae blooms or contaminate drinking water. Polluted runoff may include gutter grit, antifreeze, pesticides, fertilizers, oil or bacteria from pet waste and old septic systems. Everyone can do their part by putting in a rain garden at home near your the rain gutter exit or sump pump outlet. Every little bit of pressure we can take off the system helps, especially in cities that have old combined storm and sewer overflow system.
Harvesting stormwater in rain gardens also provides food and fiber for songbirds, habitat for pollinators and beauty in your yard. Native plants are the essential base of our food chain and the more seeds we plant and share with our neighbors, the healthier our habitat will be.
See a complete list of native rain garden plant suggestions here: https://therouge.org/plantsforraingardens/ Friends of the Rouge is an excellent resource for rain barrels, native plants, rain garden classes, and much more!
Black eyed Susan
From Left: Purple coneflower, rattlesnake master and blue vervain.
Our Front Rain Garden in Mid-Summer (left) and Spring (right). This water comes from the garage downspout.
We installed a larger rain garden in 2018. Here is a photo just after installation. The ponding area measures 20% of the roof that it is catching water from. The downspout had to be slightly lengthened in order to get 10+ required feet away from the home foundation. Native pots, plugs and seed mix were used. (The key to gardening with natives is PATIENCE. After a few seasons, they will put on a show! See the next image.)
What About a Street Side Rain Garden?
Bump out Bioswales are a type of "soft engineering" that can help to filter stormwater coming into drains from the street.