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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   n

           Check us out www.salandscape.co.za                                              Landscape SA • Issue 132  2023    19
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