Bring on the Bioswales!

Slowing the waters with rain gardens.

My little Jardin with all its rag tag containers can hold gallons of rainwater. I like to think of it slowing some of the rush into the sewers during our big rains - not quite a green roof, but leaning more in that vein. With climate change a widely acknowledged fact, and the extreme weather it ushers in, including the torrential rains we've seen of late, bioswales and rain gardens have officially become part of the mitigation strategies in New York and other cities down on the streets.

Even though the containers in the Jardin feel like they are multiplying like rabbits (among other things), there is still so much impermeable surface area. If only there were more absorbent terrace pavers available - ones that could absorb water quickly like a sponge, perhaps a shell filled with moss or something like it, or succulents - but firm enough to be walked upon in the normal course - as with a perforated metal plate, maybe coated with ultra reflective white (though the goal would be minimal surface area, and more the appearance of a green roof). Is there moss with blades that grow like grass but with a finite growing habit? But in shade? The holy grail of patio pavers... something I would love to design and market if I had more know-how. You heard it here first! All rights hereby reserved.