For centuries, this old Japanese garden feature has been used to enhance gardens. The concept of rain chains is simple enough. Instead of sending rainwater down a plain downpipe, they instead guide the water gently through a series of sculptural chains and into a water rain barrel. All this creates a soothing water feature that lets you harvest every raindrop with ease.

What are rain chains?

If you have seen rain chains, you might have thought they were wind chimes or merely garden art. In simple terms, rain chains are attached to your home’s gutters. Like the name suggests, a chain of rings or other shapes that are strung together to channel rain from the top of the house down into a rain barrel or any collective decorative basin. They are simple structures, low maintenance, and serve an important function in your garden. The natural flow of water has been interrupted by modern non-porous surfaces that don’t allow for water to be absorbed in the garden. With rain chains, you avoid this by creating beautiful art chains that direct water to collectable barrels.

Rain chains that suit your garden

Rain chains, commonly available in copper, steel, or decorative designs, resemble living sculptures as they guide water away from walls and foundations, which helps reduce splashback and erosion. Regardless of the style of your garden, there are rain chain designs to fit every taste. You can select a classic Japanese style made from traditional copper cups or go for a more minimalistic option. Choose a design that adds a sleek, modern touch to your garden while still serving its purpose effectively.

phil-hearing-272FOslfKsg-unsplash

Image Credit: Unsplash

So much more than just functional gutter alternatives, these creative chains are an easy way to bring beauty, sustainability, and sound into your garden space. More and more gardeners are looking for eco-friendly yet stylish ways to garden, and rain chains fit into the mould.

ALSO SEE: GARDENING STRATEGIES: MASTERING STEEP SLOPE GARDENING

Gardening strategies: Mastering steep slope gardening

Feature Image: Pixabay