Episode: VIC Waterwise Special ? Our Changing Climate
Presenter: Melissa King

When it comes to protecting mother earth, kids are often more switched on than grown-ups. Generation Z are creating a bright future and doing their bit for the health of our water ways, with a little help from nature.

In cities and urban areas rain often falls on roads and hard surfaces, which are impermeable to water, so the water collects pollutants, litter and nutrients, washing chemically tainted stormwater into our waterways.

It doesn?t have to be this way and that is exactly the message that the kids at Richmond Primary school are sending to the community. With the help of Melbourne Water, the students have created a rain garden that reduces the amount of polluted urban stormwater washing into local streams and the bay.

A rain garden is a shallow depression designed to capture and soak up stormwater. The key is to position it where rainwater runs from downpipes or paved areas.

The water passes through deep-rooted plants and layers of sandy loam and gravel which filter the water and absorb a lot of the chemicals. A good layer of pebble mulch helps to conserve moisture during dry times, and prevent the soil from washing away with an influx of water.

At the base of the hole is a perforated pipe that slopes in the direction of the flow and connects back to the stormwater system, plus an overflow pipe to drain any excess water.

A rain garden can be as big or small as you like, from a simple planter to a good sized garden. When it comes to choosing the right plants, look for easy-care plants that are native to your region. Use perennials, rather than annuals and plants that have the ability to tolerate both damp and dry conditions. The best choices have a spreading growth habit and a deep fibrous root system to filter the water.

A rain garden can be functional as well as beautiful and contributes to cleaner, healthier rivers and creeks. If you ask the kids at Richmond Primary, helping the environment is child?s play and for all the step by step details check out the Garden Gurus website www.thegardengurus.tv

Melbourne Water
http://www.melbournewater.com.au