Rain gardens are planted with lush native flowers and grasses that are adapted to wet conditions with deep roots to soak up rain water.  Rain gardens should be located in lower flat areas, where rain water tends to pool, or in a swale where water flows before draining off-site.  A rain garden can provide valuable habitat for all kinds of wildlife, including birds, frogs, butterflies and dragonflies. (Note that many of these eat mosquitoes!)

A rain garden can be thought of as a personal water quality system: 

• Slowing down the rush of rain water, holding it for a short period of time and allowing it to naturally infiltrate into the ground, recharging the groundwater. 
• Allowing 30 percent more water to soak into the ground, thus reducing the chances for local flooding, as well as stream bank and lake shoreline damage erosion. 
• Using native plants with their deep roots to filter pollutants such as fertilizers before they wash into our storm sewers, nearby streams and lakes.

Preparation:

• Select a location away from your house, where water seems to sit the longest in the spring or after a heavy rain.
• How big you want your rain garden?  Rain gardens for single-family homes can range from 50 to 400 square feet.  Even a small rain garden can make a positive impact on the environment.
• Define your borders using a hose or a non-toxic soccer field paint to design the shape.  For most yards, a “kidney bean” shape will function well and provide a formal, pleasing look.  (See above for a simple example)
• Consider your elevation, as your rain garden should be level, about 2 inches below grade.
• Dig up your grass and remove your sod.  Mix significant amounts of sand and compost with your soil 2 ft down.  Remove extra soil, especially clay.
• Select native plants that tolerate seasonally wet and moist conditions.  Note that most prefer to be located in full to part sun.  Most plants should be placed one every square foot.  Water plants weekly through the first year.

EarthWild Gardens is happy to help you with the design and installation of your rain garden or pond!

Listen to an interview with David Husemoller and Dan Krill by host Joan Hammel on waukTOWN radio about rain gardens.  Scroll down to click on the EarthWild Gardens icon.

 

 

 
Consider building a pond in your yard!