There are many approaches you can adopt when compiling your garden and landscaping design ideas, but one we’re starting to see a lot of here at LW Landscapes is the concept of permeability.
This, no doubt, is down to mounting concerns over climate change and the impact it’s having in terms of extreme weather events, from floods to drought.
Designing your outdoor spaces so that they’re more resilient to such extremes means you can continue to enjoy your garden while supporting the natural environment.
Permeability, where rainwater is allowed to soak naturally into the ground instead of running off into storm drains, is a great way to go about this.
Here’s how to design a permeable garden.
1. Choose hard landscaping materials wisely
Select materials for your driveways, garden paths and patios so that water is allowed to pass through, such as loose gravel (very cost effective), permeable block paving, resin-bound aggregate or reinforced grass..
2. Introduce rain gardens
Locate any low points throughout the space, as these will serve particularly well as rain gardens. Here, you simply hollow out a shallow bowl shape in the ground so that water is caught from driveways, paths and the roof.
Fill these with native plants and grasses that will absorb this water, filter out any pollutants and help reduce flooding risks.
3. Investigate sustainable urban drainage systems
There are various options available to you here that will allow you to slow water flow rates and drive down flood risks, while managing onsite pollutants.
Infiltration trenches, filter drains, planting features, green roofs, swales, ponds, basins, wetlands… all these can be developed at a scale suitable to your property, improving the eco-friendly nature of your site while supporting local biodiversity.
What are the benefits of permeable garden design?
- Reduced flood risks by soaking up rain and preventing runoff, so that local drains aren’t overloaded
- Groundwater aquifers are recharged by rainwater as it seeps into the ground, stabilising local water tables
- Plant health is improved through consistent access to water, reduced soil erosion and less waterlogging
- No need to worry about planning permission for any front garden paved areas that are over five square metres