GARDEN ILLUSTRATED IS FEATURING OUR RAIN CHAIN IN JANUARY ISSUE

BBC Gardners' World head gardener and authour Alys Flowles choose products for the eco-conscious.

A copper ring rainchain makes an attractive water feature in place of a plastic downpipe, £119.95, Garden Boutique, 0121 224 7390, www.gardenboutique.co.uk

COPPER RAIN CHAINS - NEW TO GARDEN BOUTIQUE

Copper Rain Chains added to the Eco-friendly range of sustainable garden accessories at Garden Boutique.

Our tulip rain chain is made from solid copper and is 240cm long.
£119.95 from Garden Boutique

Rain Chains are decorative japanese rain gutters. They are a beautiful and functional alternative to traditional closed metal or plastic downspouts.

Rain water is channelled down the centre of the chain, so it makes an attractive water feature as well as helping to harvest rainwater for use in the garden. Rain chains collect rainwater from the roof, and this water can be collected in a water butt for later use, or directed into a flowerbed or the ground. This prevents excess water being sent into storm drains - returning it naturally to the water table through infiltration and so rain chains are an important weapon in the fight against flooding in the UK.

You can read more about recycling water in Rain Gardens by Nigel Dunnett

Our Rain Chains are made of solid copper and so will not rust. Instead they will weather naturally and take on a beautiful verdigris patina.