Enhance your landscape with beautiful Rain Gardens
Transforming surface runoff into a sustainable solution, rain gardens capture rainfall before it enters the piped network and either releases it slowly into the network or allows it to infiltrate into the ground, preventing flooding.
Often dominated by concrete and other non-permeable surfaces, urban landscapes have increased surface water runoff. Rain gardens help to improve surface water management while providing amenity, reducing pollution and enhancing biodiversity.
Meristem Design specialises in installing rain gardens that increase climate resilience and support local wildlife while adding beauty to your outdoor space.
Benefits
As well as offering practical solutions for an urban environment, Rain Gardens are an attractive addition to any landscape. Plants in rain gardens are carefully chosen to withstand a range of conditions from being waterlogged for long periods of time to long periods of drought.
Low Maintenance
Designed to fit any space, rain gardens are easy to maintain and offer an efficient way to manage rainwater in various urban landscapes.
Supports Wildlife
Rain gardens attract birds, insects, and small wildlife by creating diverse natural habitats, and enriching local biodiversity.
Reduces Flooding and Erosion
Rain gardens can absorb up to 30% more water than lawn grass, slowing down heavy rainfall and reducing the risk of sewer flooding. They also help to reduce erosion by preventing large volumes of water from washing away soil.
Cleans Water Naturally
Rain gardens act as natural filters, removing up to 90% of pollutants like nutrients and chemicals, and up to 80% of sediments from water runoff. This helps prevent water pollution and contributes to healthier waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do rain gardens work?
The shallow depression collects and filters rainwater from impermeable surfaces such as roofs, driveways and streets. By capturing runoff, this allows water to infiltrate through soil and plant roots, filtering and slowing the flow to reduce pressure on the drainage network.
When is the best time to build a rain garden?
Although a rain garden can be installed anytime the ground is not frozen, the optimum time for this is when the soil is sufficiently dry enough to work with. For the best establishment of plants, early autumn to spring is advised.
What are rain gardens best planted with?
The ideal rain garden plants are moisture-tolerant species which have deep root systems to enhance water absorption into the soil while also enduring dry periods. Native plants are always recommended as they are well adapted to local growing conditions and support wildlife.
What maintenance is required for rain gardens?
As plants establish, regular watering will be required. The SuDS also benefit from weeding, pruning, replanting if needed, and ensuring drainage inlets remain clear.
Local authorities
Not only beautifying public spaces, rain gardens help manage stormwater runoff naturally and effectively, reducing the burden on drainage systems and minimising urban flooding. They improve water quality and provide rich and diverse wildlife habitats.
Education
By managing runoff effectively, rain gardens reduce flood risks and enhance the school ground's climate resilience. They also provide engaging and vibrant outdoor spaces that support biodiversity.
Latest news
We are a group of designers, horticulturalists and ecologists who have a shared passion; to turn the grey green.
24th October 2024
News
New school SuDS project funding available to you!
With just over a week to go, remember to apply for up to 50% funding for your next school SuDS project....
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Blogs
Importance of maintaining rain gardens
Observation and maintenance are crucial for rain gardens as their dynamic nature can require continuous adaptation depending on its environment....
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Blogs
SuDS Planters: London's Residential Flood Solution
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