Page 27 - Landscape-Issue131

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

TRANSFORM YOUR LANDSCAPE

WITH RAIN GARDENS

South Africa’s diverse landscapes are both a blessing and a challenge when it comes
to managing water resources. With periods of drought and variable rainfall, it is

critical to develop sustainable water management techniques. Rain gardens are an
innovative solution, as they not only conserve water but also improve the beauty and
biodiversity of your outdoor space. Rain gardens are seen as a type of Sustainable
Drainage System (SuDS).

What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a carefully constructed
garden that gathers and absorbs rainwater
runoff from your roof, driveway or other
paved surfaces. This environmentally friendly
form of landscape design uses natural
rainwater to reduce flooding, minimise soil
erosion and nourish plants. Rain gardens can
be a game changer for your landscape’s water
needs, especially in South Africa’s changing
environment.
Why choose a rain garden?
• Water conservation: Rain gardens use
rainfall to irrigate your plants, reducing the
pressure on municipal water supplies.
• Flood prevention: Rain gardens minimise
the risk of flooding during heavy rains by
capturing runoff and slowly releasing it.
• Enhanced aesthetics: They enhance the
beauty and visual appeal of your property
by using appropriate plants that can grow in
water and dry out at times.
• Biodiversity boost: Rain gardens attract
natural wildlife such as birds, butterflies and
insects, creating a mini eco-system.
• Sustainability: They promote environ-
mentally friendly, sustainable, mini eco-
systems and practices.
small volumes of clay spread across the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATER
How to create a rain garden base of the depression will help to hold WISE, PLEASE CONTACT US ON:
• Site selection: Select an area in your water for longer, helping to sustain the 0860 10 10 60.
landscape that collects runoff from roofs or moist environment for longer.
roadways or where it runs through. Make • Choose plants: Use suitable indigenous
sure it has appropriate drainage and isn’t plants that are best adapted to your
too close to any structures or underground region and group them according to their
services. water needs, with the thirstiest plants in
• Design: Design your rain garden’s shape the centre.
and size. Consider incorporating curves and • Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to retain
layers for visual interest. Use natural plants moisture, suppress weeds and protect
that can thrive in your region’s climate. plant roots, especially during the
• Dig and shape: Excavate the desired area to establishment phase.
form a shallow depression. The depth will • Direct rainwater: Use channels, swales
be determined by the size of your garden or rain chains to divert rainfall from
and local rainfall patterns. For those going downspouts or concrete surfaces into
the extra mile, determine the Q value of the the rain garden. The design must include
runoff for consideration of the excavation some form of overflow to cater for large
size. rain events.
• Amend soil: Improve soil quality by adding • Maintenance: Regularly maintain your
compost and organic matter to increase rain garden by weeding, pruning and
water retention. The incorporation of monitoring water inflow and outflow. n www.randwater.co.za

Landscape SA • Issue 131 2023 25