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Rain Water Harvesting and Rain Gardens
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The Pacific Northwest is known for its mountains, salmon, coffee...and RAIN.
As cities grow and urban development occurs, our eco-system becomes jeopardized.
Parks are now becoming office buildings, lawns are becoming patios, and houses are
being built bigger while landscapes are becoming smaller.
When preparing a new landscape, one of the questions we ask is, "Where does the
rain water naturally flow?" One of the most important challenges we face is determining
the best techniques to deal with a sudden influx of rain water.
Rain Harvesting
Rain Harvesting is the collection of surface water, typically from roofs, and storing
it for future use. This water is called grey water and is not drinkable. It can
be used in the landscape, as toilet water or for cleaning. Rain Harvesting can be
done on a small scale with Rain Barrels placed under your downspouts. Or it can
be done on a large scale with water tanks, either above ground or buried underground.
Rain Barrels work best if the water can be utilized as it collected and then replenished
as it get used. While water tanks work well they require a lot of space.
Rain Gardens
If rain harvesting is not your thing, but you are interested in sustainable gardening,
consider a rain garden, or bioswale.
The purpose of the rain garden is to direct the water from impervious surfaces (roofs,
driveways, patios) into a garden bed with a low area, or depression. This allows
the water to be moved away from your home and dispersed into the landscape where
it can be absorbed and utilized by nature.
When planning your rain garden, consider the amount of rain you are capturing and
size your garden appropriately. This is also true when selecting plants. Native
plants are recommended as they are most adaptable to climatic conditions and promote
urban habitats for native species. Choose plants that are tolerant of wet conditions
for the lowest area but also adaptable to dry conditions during the summer months.
Rain gardens can be created anywhere and to any size. Have fun with your rain garden
and be creative -- incorporate rocks, a fountain or any other focal point.
Rain gardens are the answer to many water diversion issues. Our rain garden designs
are specifically made to deal with the need to divert rain and facilitate water
runoff. Not only are they functional, they are also a beautiful addition to a natural
landscape.
Seattle is known for being a leader in the ‘green’ industry and establishing practices
that serve our natural resources. We embrace the challenges of working with the
elements. Rain gardens and rain harvesting have become the new trend in landscapes
design.
As more impervious surfaces are created, more surface water is generated and the
need for a water run-off system becomes evident.
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