THE RAINGARDEN Rain water that runs off of impervious surfaces, such as roofs, roads, driveways and sidewalks, carries pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, oil, metals and sediments into the nearest storm drain and then directly to the nearest stream or river, with no natural treatment or filtering. A RAINGARDEN mimics natural wetland systems. The RAINGARDEN captures rainwater before it can runoff and utilizes a simple concept, called bioretention, to improve stormwater quality. The water that enters the RAINGARDEN is treated by the plants and soil which transform and uptake nutrients, absorb metals and soluble contaminants, and physically filter out sediments, which often carry pollutants. The RAINGARDEN also detains the stormwater and allows it to discharge slowly into the ground, rather than rapidly into the streams, recharging groundwater and reducing flooding. RAINGARDENS can be large or small and can be built any place that rainwater is discharged or accumulates. A downspout that drains your roof is an excellent place to create a RAINGARDEN. You can improve stormwater quality, reduce flooding and provide creative landscaping. This RAINGARDEN is planted with a variety of plants that are native to New Jersey. We have included the forbs soft rush, soft stem bulrush, tussock sedge, blue flag iris and cardinal flower in the shallow waters edge. Switchgrass, a native warm season grass, and three species of shrubs, Virginia sweetspire, silky dogwood, and lowbush blueberry are planted along the edges, above the water. Two native shrubs that thrive in shallow water, buttonbush and smooth alder are represented. The trees in and around the RAINGARDEN include river birch, gray birch, Atlantic white cedar and baldcypress. Trees would not typically be included in a true RAINGARDEN, but they were added to show the range of plants that we find growing in our New Jersey wetlands. The RAINGARDEN was installed and designed by Peter Soderman and Curtis Helm Thanks to:
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