Rain gardens : managing rainwater sustainably in the garden and designed landscape

Rain gardens encompass all possible elements that can be used to capture, channel, divert and make the most of the rain and snow that fall on a property. Using the innovative and attractive approaches described here, it is possible to enhance outdoor spaces and minimize the damaging effects of drought, stormwater runoff, and other environmental challenges. Nigel Dunnett & Andy Clayden have created a comprehensive guide to water management techniques for the garden and built environment. Filled with practical, manageable solutions for small and large-scale implementations and utilizing authoritative research with state-of-the-art case studies from all over the world, Rain Gardens is the first book on sustainable water management schemes suitable for students and professionals.
Rain Gardens describes how gardeners and professional landscapers can make the most of the rainwater that falls on a property by using a range of strategies to collect and store this increasingly precious commodity. By capturing, channeling, filtering, and diverting water using the innovative and attractive methods described here, it is possible to enhance outdoor spaces and minimize the damaging effects of drought, stormwater runoff, and other environmental challenges.

First, it is important to understand how the rainwater cycle works: what happens to rain after it falls on our buildings, streets, parks, and gardens? One of the effects of the built environment is that rainwater is drawn off into drains and reservoirs instead of flowing back into the environment. Essentially, rain gardens endeavor to mimic the natural environment using various methods to capture rainwater and hold on to it for as long as possible. Even quite simple techniques are effective, such as rain chains that carry water from gutters into collections barrels, and diverting downpipes. The book goes on to explore more elaborate systems using case studies from all over the world that feature filtration banks, stormwater planters, green roofs, and bioretention schemes. Plant selection and planting plays an important role in rain gardens and a comprehensive directory provides lists of plants suitable for different purposes. This important book will enhance our gardens and public spaces and heighten awareness of the crucial role rainwater plays in our environment.

"The 'rain garden' is a new and exciting concept that combines environmental benefits with aesthetic considerations to bring purpose and individuality to a garden or landscape. In this authoritative work, we see how rain gardens follow the principles of the natural water cycle by using the landscape to slow down the rate at which water is lost to the public drainage system. This is achieved by employing a range of techniques such as increasing areas of planting, replacing surfaces that are traditionally 'hard landscaped' with permeable alternatives, and even replacing conventional drainpipes with rain chains that divert rainwater from the gutter directly into the ground." "Drawing on examples from around the world, each feature is described, explained and illustrated using photographs and sketches. Finally, the book provides a unique directory of plants indicating their suitability for different rain garden situations. Rain gardens are good for wildlife, encourage biodiversity provide visual and sensory pleasure and, above all, are sustainable in a changing climate."--Jacket Title......Page 4 Contents......Page 6 Acknowledgements ......Page 7 Preface ......Page 8 Introduction......Page 10 Introduction ......Page 14 Water and sustainable landscapes ......Page 15 Water in a changing climate......Page 32 Bioretention......Page 39 The stormwater chain......Page 46 Section 2. The stormwater chain ......Page 52 General design principles for bioretention facilities ......Page 53 Green roofs......Page 54 Capturing water run-off: disconnecting downpipes......Page 77 Site survey......Page 162 Setting out a design......Page 166 Section 3. Plant directory......Page 171 Herbaceous plants ......Page 174 Grasses ......Page 181 Shrubs......Page 182 Trees ......Page 184 References......Page 185 Index......Page 188