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A rain garden soaks up rain
water with its deep-rooted native plants & grasses. Rain gardens are planted in
lower areas of the lawn, where rain water tends to flow, running off of the lawn
or hard surfaces such as a roof, a sidewalk and driveway, before draining
off-site. A rain garden can also provides 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:
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Select a location
away from your house, where water seems to sit the longest in the spring or
after a heavy rain.
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Think of how big you
want to go. 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.
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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)
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Consider your
elevation, as your rain garden should be level, about 2 inches below grade.
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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.
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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.
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