Rain gardens can be beautiful additions to the landscape, and help to control storm water runoff. They are a great way to manage water if incorporated into parking lots, backyards, and vacant spaces near roadways.
The basic idea is to create a depression in the earth so water will flow there, especially during storms. Instead of a drain into the combined sewer system, there are plants, gravel and sand to absorb the water.
Stormwater management is a huge issue in Cleveland, as our aging combined system allows for the mixing of sewage with runoff during storms, allowing for the degradation of our water and environment. The sewer upgrade is an expensive proposition – why not make raingardens, pervious paving, and rainbarrels a part of our strategy?
jasmine, 
Jen Hovis, and 
garymurphy are discussing. 
Erin Bell
lilahzautner
Bob Chalfant
Nancy Boylan
Sarah Siebert
Melissa Miller
jasmine 6:54 pm on May 3, 2011 Permalink
i am student and i would like to know what plants are in the rain garden
Jen Hovis 3:08 am on September 25, 2010 Permalink
Walter, we’re renovating a house on the near west side and will have to deal with this in our backyard proper. Would be interested in any possible resources that you might have. The garden above is gorgeous.
garymurphy 7:54 pm on August 21, 2010 Permalink
Walter, I’m eager to learn more and to participate in the construction of some rain gardens. I’d be interested in hearing from someone with experience about how much it might cost to manage more of our storm water this way in comparison to rain barrels. Of course we could choose both but I’d like to get a sense of where I should direct my talents to first. Any thoughts?