It soaks up rainwater like a sponge, thanks to which it helps prevent creation of the so-called urban heat islands. Such a rain garden will be created near Barei roundabout as part of Tramway to Mistrzejowice (KST IV) the construction project.
The secret of a rain garden lies in the ground of larger permeability and in appropriate vegetation. This combination allows cleaning and collecting runoff water from surface areas much larger than the garden itself. Thanks to the above, smaller amounts of water from sidewalks, streets or bike paths go directly to the sewer system, which prevents the groundwater lowering and local flooding due to heavy rainfalls. These will be the advantages of the garden designed in the area of Barei roundabout, on the southern side of Strzelców street.
Rain garden: what plants are planted there?
What plants are selected for such a garden? The so-called wetland edge vegetation whose roots help eliminate the contaminants run off from streets and sidewalks. Near Barei roundabout, the following plants will be applied: Lythrum salicaria, Eupatorium cannabinum, Hemerocallis x hybrida and Geranium phaeum.
They are planted in specific soils, where a bacterial membrane can be created which additionally reduces the contamination. It is like a small local biological treatment plant! In the subsoil, sands, limestone and volcanic rocks are used whose permeability and porosity are significant thanks to which runoff can be intercepted.