Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a shallow, gently-sloped channel filled with topsoil and plants. Rain gardens manage rainwater runoff in our developed neighbourhoods while providing many co-benefits:
- Rain gardens allow 30 per cent more water to infiltrate into groundwater than a regular lawn. This replenishes our drinking water and local streams while decreasing pressure on our stormwater infrastructure.
- Rainwater treated by topsoil is cool, clean and has nutrients that benefit the wildlife in our local creeks and streams.
- Studies show that rain gardens absorb CO2, making them low-carbon infrastructure.
- Rain gardens do all this while adding to the beauty of our neighbourhoods.
At the January 15, 2024, Regular Meeting, Township of Langley Mayor and Council endorsed that rain gardens now be maintained by the Township of Langley instead of residents of adjacent properties.
How do they work?
Runoff from small, frequent rain showers is stored in the topsoil. Plants and soil help absorb pollutants, preventing them from washing into watersheds. When the topsoil is full, water flows into the pipe and enters the municipal drainage system.
Who takes care of the rain garden?
Land developers design, build and maintain rain gardens until the plants are established. Once established, maintenance becomes the responsibility of the Township of Langley.
How is the rain garden maintained?
Rain gardens require some maintenance to remain attractive and effective, including:
- Clearing sediment and debris (litter) from stones and drains, and weed by hand.
- Tidying garden edges, mowing grass strips, weeding and trimming.
- Watering plants as needed during dry seasons and topping up planted areas with topsoil or compost as required.
Maintenance is provided by the Township of Langley.
What if I notice an issue with a rain garden?
Please contact the Township of Langley at enginfo@tol.ca or 604-532-7300 if you have any concerns about a rain garden.
Common plants found in rain gardens.
| Ornamental grass |
|---|
|
| Perennials and groundcover |
|---|
|
| Shrubs |
|---|
|
| Trees |
|---|
|
These tools can provide additional guidance for plant selection:
- Grow Green by Metro Vancouver
- Grow Me Instead by the Invasive Species Council of BC
Frequently asked questions
| Who maintains rain gardens? |
| Land developers design, build, and maintain rain gardens until the plants are established. Once established, the rain garden becomes the responsibility of the Township of Langley. |
| Can I remove plants I don’t like? |
|
The Township is responsible for the removal and placement of plants. Please contact the Township at enginfo@tol.ca or 604-532-7300 if you have any issues with plants in the rain garden. |
| Can I add plants? |
|
The Township has a plant replacement program and is responsible for the removal and placement of plants. Please contact the Township at enginfo@tol.ca or 604-532-7300 if you have any issues with the rain garden. |
| What must I keep in mind for roadside gardens? |
| Consider visibility and safety. Choose plants that won't grow higher than one metre when fully mature. Place taller plants away from driveways and intersections so that drivers can see pedestrians and cyclists fully. Choose drought-tolerant plants that don't need much watering. |
| Can I build a rain garden at my home if I don't have one already? |
|
Please contact the Township of Langley at enginfo@tol.ca or 604-532-7300 if you are considering building a rain garden. The Township has specific rain garden construction standards. |