HomeMy Public PortalAboutRaingarden Sign TemplateOL D NORTH What is a rain garden?
This rain garden is part of MSD Project Clear, a program by the
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to improve water qualit y for
everyone by focusing on clear priorities, clear communications,
and clear water.
MSDProjectClear.org
MSDProjectClear MSDProjectClear
Why use native plants?
Native plants are hardy and have evolved and adapted to Missouri’s
climate, soil type, and rainfall conditions. They are appealing to
habitat. Most of all, their root systems help water soak into the soil.
Examples of native plant s i n this area:
Shawnee Brav e Bald Cypress (Taxodiu m ‘Shawn ee Brave’)
Eastern R edbud (Cercis canadensis)
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Sumac (Rhu s aromatic a ‘Gro-low’)
Shinin g Bluestar (Amsoni a illustris)
Blu e Sedge (Carex glauc a ‘Blu e Zinger’)
Tollwa y Sedge (Carex praegracilis)
Purpl e C oneflo wer (Echinace a purpurea)
Siberia n Iris (Iris sibiri c a ‘Caesar’s Brother’)
Why plant a rain garden?
A rain garden is a constructed and landscaped
depression designed to catch stormwater from area
pavement, rooftops, and compacted green spaces
where water cannot be absorbed. The stormwater is
captured, filtered, and released slowly to help
reduce the amount of water that enters the sewer
system during large rainfalls.
Pollution in rivers is increased by stormwater runoff.
A rain garden acts first as a sponge to capture
stormwater and then as a filter to trap pollutants while
the water moves naturally through the ground to nearby
creeks and streams. Carefully designed rain gardens
capture extra water and hold it longer before it returns to
the river systems. The effective combination of a space to
store and absorb water once it reaches a rain garden can
result in fewer stormwater drainage and treatment
facilities.
The Clinton Street Rain Garden in Old North is one of many Rainscaping projects being
built by MSD Project Clear. Rainscaping is any combination of plantings, water features,
catch basins, permeable pavement, and other activities that manage stormwater as
close as possible to where it falls, rather than moving it someplace else. Layered
systems below ground level store and filter stormwater, allowing the soil to
slowly absorb it over time. Above ground level, native plants, basins, and water
features create public green spaces that also help store water. Used effectively,
rainscaping can reclaim stormwater naturally, reduce sewer overflows, and
minimize basement backups.
STORMWATER RUNOFF
POOLING ZONE
RETENTION/RECHARGE
ZONE
DETENTION/FILTRATION