How do I love thee rain garden, let me count the ways

I've been couped up in the house the last week with a nasty virus so naturally I also got cabin fever.  My excursions have been limited to brief walks through the gardens on nice days.  I always stop at the rain garden for awhile, just to see if anything is poking up anticipating spring.  I got to thinking about all the benefits our rain garden gives, some you may not even have thought of.  I'll jot them down:

1. Diverts rain water from our City's already overburdened storm water infrastructure system.
2. Helps keep plants in my yard hydrated and growing.
3. Lessens my dependence on City water during droughts.
4.Helps improve water quality for folks downstream.
5. Prevents additional erosion in Ellerbe Creek across the street by not being directed into it during heavy storm events.
6. Flowering rain garden plants draw pollinators to benefit other plants in their process of reproduction.
7.  Provides an attractive addition to our landscape.
8. Creates a diverse variety of seeds for birds winter needs.
9. Provides teachable moments when neighbors or walkers stop to inquire 'Just what is a rain garden?'
10. Inspires me to find other ways to help conserve resources and protect our environment.

So this Valentine's Day I'm giving the rain garden a rich brown chocolaty layer of fresh compost.

Happy Valentine's Day