Plant selection for rain gardens in temperate climates: The case of Izmir, Turkey

Abstract

Rain gardens have gained importance in recent years as a green infrastructure strategy. These gardens, created to capture, filter, and absorb runoff from impervious surfaces, offer a sustainable method for addressing water-related challenges in urban areas. Incorporating rain gardens into urban areas not only addresses the challenges of heavy rainfall and flooding but also brings about ecological advantages by encouraging biodiversity, improving water quality, increasing resilience, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban settings. Plant selection in rain gardens plays a crucial role in their effectiveness and sustainability. The research focused on exploring the importance of carefully choosing plants for rain gardens, aiming to help in selecting the most suitable flora and creating visually appealing, resilient, and ecologically important landscapes. For this purpose, Izmir Katip Celebi University was selected as a study area.  The first step was to locate an appropriate space for a rain garden and evaluate its potential for a rain garden implementation. Next, plants suitable for a rain garden in a temperate climate were listed. Among these plants, those that can be found in Izmir were selected after contacting nurseries. Only fourteen of them were available. Utilizing the plants listed that align with the project requirements and the plant design criteria such as diverse color, high density, and proportion outlined in the literature review, a proposal for a rain garden design was recommended. Since the rain garden consists of three different zones (dry, wet, and moderate), the plants were arranged accordingly. This design was tailored to suit existing conditions, such as a temperate climate and proximity to the building. Factors like varying climate conditions or alternative rain garden placements were not accounted for in this design. Given the necessity for diverse plant selections in varying climates, research carried out across different regions holds significant value. This study, conducted in Izmir province, will enrich existing literature and provide municipalities with crucial guidance in plant selection in a rain garden project, offering valuable insights.