Weatherwatch: how planting rain gardens can reduce flooding

Rain gardens absorb runoff, filter pollutants and lower the surrounding temperatureAs extreme rainfall events become more common, one response is to plant rain gardens. A shallow depression filled with absorbent but free-draining soil and planted with vegetation, a rain garden absorbs runoff and prevents it from immediately draining into waterways. This helps reduce the chances of flooding.Also known less attractively as bioretention facilities, the plants and earth hold water rather than letting it flow away as hard surfaces do. Replacing concrete and paved areas with rain gardens mitigates heavy rainfall. Continue reading...