Those of us raised in the suburbs with perfectly manicured lawns may easily misconstrue a rain garden as a patch of unruly weeds and flowers. Rain gardens are popping up all over our community. They’re functional, but many people have made them beautiful as well. You can see a map of Washtenaw County’s rain gardens—or learn how to make one of your own—at bit.ly/1e9dvJv.
Rain gardens direct and absorb fresh water that flows from residential and commercial rooftops and storm drains back into the soil instead of into the streets. They comprise deep-rooted native plants and grasses strategically planned and placed to soak up water and break down contaminants that fresh water picks up along the way, like oil, fertilizers, salt, and pesticides. “Rain gardens are important for our community ecosystem and beyond,” says Susan Bryan, Washtenaw County Rain Gardens Coordinator, who is currently offering classes on how to become a Master Rain Gardener.
Not all wildflower gardens are rain gardens. True rain gardens are planted in shallow depressions and filled with native vegetation. The shallowest point includes plants that thrive best in the moistest conditions, while the garden’s peripheral higher-elevation plants thrive in conditions with less rainfall. Rain gardens also create a habitat for birds and beneficial insects like honeybees and monarchs, as well as many other pollinator-friendly plants.
“Creating a mindset for sustainability begins in the schools,” says Shannan Gibb-Randall, a landscape architect and parent of students at Bach Elementary School. “We designed and built two RGs with school children so they could learn about and interact with more diverse native habitats and increase their understanding of water and the health of the Huron River.” Gibb-Randall has also developed and executed a hands-on curriculum for K–5 students to apply what they have learned.