The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Riverine Flood Status
Normal
Lake Simcoe Shoreline Status
Normal
Low Water Status
Normal

Build a Rain Garden​

Rain Garden Illustration

Rain Gardens combine beauty and function.

They’re a stunning addition to any landscape and will enhance your property’s curb appeal. They can be completely customized to suit your design preferences and can use the colourful plants you love.

The lush greenery and vibrant native plants in this beautiful garden feature can also reduce your risk of flooding.

Rain gardens help water soak into the ground naturally.

The runoff from your roof, driveway and other hard surfaces is typically directed towards the street and into the municipal storm sewer. On its way, it picks up harmful pollutants such as road salt, heavy metals and oils. This polluted water ends up in our creeks, rivers and streams, and ultimately Lake Simcoe where it can harm water quality and aquatic habitat.

Illustration courtesy of the Town of Newmarket.

The Benefits of Rain Gardens

Rain gardens also provide good habitat for butterflies, birds and other wildlife. Unlike the surrounding grass lawn, which requires much more upkeep, rain gardens contain native plants that need little maintenance once they are established.

  1. They work to keep our water clean
    Pervious soils act as a natural filter. By diverting runoff from the storm sewers and into the ground, we are encouraging this natural filtration.

  2. They require very little maintenance
    The plants are native to the area and hardy to our conditions. Once established, no watering is needed and these perennials will grow back every year.

  3. They add beauty to the landscape
    Rain gardens look nice and can complement many design styles. They can increase your property’s curbside appeal and market value​.​
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