As the seasons change, so do our rain gardens – and Barnet’s interactive SuDS installations are a living example of that transformation.
Installed to manage rainwater runoff and bring biodiversity back into the urban environment, these rain gardens have continued to evolve throughout 2024 and into this year. From the first flush of spring growth to the change in texture through winter, they’ve shown just how dynamic and effective green infrastructure can be when designed with nature and climate resilience in mind.
Designed for resilience and impact
The rain gardens in Barnet were created as part of a wider strategy to integrate sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) into urban settings. Carefully planned and designed to balance function and form - the rain gardens manage surface water while delivering long-term environmental and social benefits.
Key features include:
- Planting schemes made up of hardy, multi-seasonal species suited to both drought and heavy rainfall
- Thoughtful layout and design that softens hard surfaces and encourages people to engage with the space
- Permeable areas to capture, slow, and clean rainwater runoff
- A planting palette that enhances local biodiversity and provides year-round interest
These installations don't just manage water - they help to reimagine what a street or roadside verge can look and feel like when nature is integrated.
Changes with the seasons
Unlike traditional landscaping, rain gardens are designed to work with nature, not against it. Their appearance and function shift throughout the year in response to local conditions. During dry spells, hardy, drought-tolerant continue to thrive. In wetter months, the system handles increased runoff while providing seasonal colour, movement, and texture.
Spring brings a burst of new growth, summer is rich with flowers and pollinators, autumn adds warmth and structure, and even in winter, the space retains ecological value and visual interest. This constant evolution is part of what makes rain gardens such a powerful example of nature-based solutions in action.
The importance of rain garden maintenance
For rain gardens to remain effective and visually appealing, ongoing maintenance is essential. Our team provides regular checks and plant care throughout the year to ensure each SuDS site continues to function as intended. This includes clearing inlets, managing plant health, and replacing species where necessary to maintain a resilient and biodiverse system.
Without maintenance, even the best-designed SuDS can become clogged or underperform - so consistent care is a key part of keeping these installations working for the long term.
Turning the grey green: Transforming urban spaces
Projects like this show the impact of rain gardens in urban spaces and the vibrancy that they bring to heavily paved areas. They help reduce flood risk, improve water quality, boost biodiversity, cool surrounding areas, and create green space in places where it’s often needed the most.
In Barnet, we’ve watched the transformation unfold over the past year. Our maintenance team have captured the shifts in colour, texture and structure throughout the seasons, showing how a nature-based approach to drainage can deliver both practical and environmental value - while also making our streets more inviting, vibrant and climate resilient.
Do you want to see rain gardens in your area? Get in touch with us about your next SuDS project!
