Raingardens

Raingardens

Stormwater is one of the biggest threats to our waterways as it carries many harmful pollutants such as heavy metals, oil, litter, organic matter and excess nutrients which can have a detrimental affect on our natural environment.

In partnership with Melbourne Water's 10,000 Raingardens Program, Frankston City is encouraging residents to install a raingarden to improve their garden, reduce water usage and improve the stormwater entering our waterways.

What is a raingarden?

Drain pipes that capture rainwater from your roof normally go directly to the stormwater drain without treatment. Instead, raingardens capture this rainwater or stormwater from hard surfaces such as roofs and filter it through layers of sandy soil and gravel, combined with plants, shrubs and grasses.

The layers in the raingarden help to clean and slow the rate of stormwater runoff from homes, which in turn protect the animals, plants and fish that rely on healthy waterways for their survival.

Raingardens have several benefits, including but not limited to: 

• Creating wildlife habitat
• Making an attractive landscaping feature in your garden
• Filtering stormwater and removing common pollutants before it enters the stormwater drains
• Slowing the rate of stormwater entering our rivers and creeks after heavy rain
• Low maintenance and water saving, especially if planted with native or indigenous drought tolerant plants

Establishing a raingarden for your home is a long-term way to assist the health of our local waterways and make a serious difference to the local environment.

How to build a raingarden

There are many different types of raingardens. Melbourne Water has great advice on different types of raingardens and tips for building one at home. Go to melbournewater.com.au for more information.

Plants for your raingarden

You can get many of the plants for your raingarden from your local nursery. Indigenous drought-tolerant plants are the best option for a raingarden as they are already adapted to the specific weather conditions found in your area. They also need to be used to wet periods as well. Click on the following link for information on Council's Frankston Indigenous Nursery.

Further Information

Residents who build a raingarden can register their raingarden and be part of the 10,000 Raingardens Program count. To register your raingarden, go to melbournewater.com.au for further information.