A rain garden is a shallow depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses. A rain garden is a planted depression designed to capture rain runoff. A rain garden should be positioned near a runoff source like a downspout, driveway or sump pump to capture rainwater runoff and stop the water from reaching the sewer system. A rain garden is not a pond and will absorb runoff within 24-28 hours after a storm. . Rain gardens slow down the rush of water from hard surfaces, holds the water for a short period of time and allows it to sink into the ground.

A Green Roof or Living Roof is a roof of a building that is partially covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It sometimes includes additional layers such a root barrier, drainage, and irrigation systems. Green Roofs are also referred to as eco-roofs or vegetated roofs. The term green roof might also indicate roofs that use some form of technology. Green roofs serve several purposes for a building, such as absorbing rainwater, providing insulation creating a habitat for wildlife, and helping to lower urban air temperatures and relieve the heat island effect.

When planting a rain garden the focus should be on the featured flowers, along with the various other plants adding inflection. Planting a rain garden requires a basic vision, preparation, and putting the right plants in the right places. A rain garden can be installed anytime the ground is not frozen; spring and fall are the best times to start a garden. In spring, the soil is easier to dig and the rainy weather means less watering. Perennials often do best when planted in fall when they have sent all of their energy to their roots for winter. Plants native to Western Pennsylvania are brief intervals of standing water, tolerate drought, and have deep roots that let water easily seep into the soil. They also help to conserve soil and water, they don't require fertilizers or other chemicals, and they last longer. They most importantly provide habitats for insects and animals. Using plants that bloom at different times can stretch out the season and make the flowers last longer. Mixing plant heights, shapes, and textures gives the garden depth and interest. Adding sedges, rushes, and grasses create root competition, keeping the plants on a regular growing schedule adds a lot of beauty to a yard. Add stone, fencing, garden benches, or any other accessories that complement the garden and add to the appeal of your property.

Planting a green roof is very simple; the following steps will help someone get through the process of building it. You want to get a structural engineering report for the live load of the structure and roof truss design. A standard roof is built to take about ten to twenty pounds of pressure per square foot. After, you want to shore it up. Your structure will require lateral supports as well. Imagine holding a kite string: The wind exerts pressure not only on the kite itself, but your body. You want to lay down the liner and consult a roofer to install a commercial seamless roof. If building on top of an uninhabited structure, lay down a standard pond liner. The liner will keep the water from seeping into the building. You want to consult a look book of how much effort you are willing to invest. More ornate plants are going to require more work than minimalist moss. Next, Mix and lay down your potting soil. Depending on the choice of plant life, the soil will probably have to be custom-mixed. The last step is planting your plants.

Planting a rain garden helps keep clean, fresh rainwater out of the sewer system and reduces pollution and preserve our water systems. Rain and melting snow runs off roofs, driveways and even lawns and flows directly to the street, down the storm drain and right to our rivers and lakes. The runoff is untreated and carries with it pollutants like oil, salt, fertilizer, pesticides,