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Rain gardens act as big sponges that capture and hold storm water runoff so it can be absorbed back into the soil of your garden. Rain gardens are also beautiful habitats for birds and insects, making your garden hum with nature. Water conservation experts Cleo Woelfle-Erskine and Apryl Uncapher walk you through the process of designing and building swales, French drains, rain gardens, and ephemeral ponds - the building blocks of rain gardens. Providing step-by-step instructions for rain barrels, simple living roofs, permeable patios, and planters that harvest runoff from the street, this rich handbook explains how to weave these elements into your current garden for maximum benefits. From soil preparation, planting, troubleshooting and maintenance to selecting palettes of water-loving plants that provide four-season interest and a habitat for wildlife, the authors cover everything you need to create a beautiful rain garden at home. Rain gardens help you save money by reducing water bills Step-by-step instructions for rain barrels, simple living roofs, permeable patios, and other low-tech ways to save water in the garden Includes 8 case studies from North America and the UK