In town, there is a new garden. It is (usually) simple to install, looks nice all year, takes little care, and has a fantastically positive influence on the environment. It’s no surprise that rain gardens are such a popular new gardening idea! During strong thunderstorms in the summer, stormwater runoff may be a major issue.
Water gathers up oil and other contaminants as it flows over rooftops and roadways. Municipal stormwater treatment facilities are often unable to manage the influx of water, and untreated water finds up in natural rivers in many regions.
The EPA estimates that stormwater transports up to 70% of the pollutants in our streams, rivers, and lakes! You may help safeguard our rivers, streams, and lakes from stormwater pollution by taking responsibility for the precipitation that falls on your own roof and driveway.
Many communities are encouraging companies and residents to create rain gardens in their yards to decrease excess water flow. Rain gardens are unique gardens that are built in low sections of a yard where rainwater might accumulate.
The plan is for the water to naturally flow into this garden. The rain garden gathers runoff and filters it so that it may be progressively absorbed by the soil. Instead of flowing into a storm sewer or a local canal, rainfall may accumulate in a garden and be organically filtered by plants and soil. It is simple to set up a rain garden.
Simply dig a little trench in your yard and fill it with local grasses and wildflowers that are simple to cultivate and maintain.
What distinguishes a rain garden?
- First, a low location in the center of the garden will be built to collect and absorb rainwater and snow melt. This dip may vary from a few inches in a small garden to a several-foot-deep dug trough.
- Second, rain gardens are often placed in areas where they would capture runoff from impermeable surfaces such as sidewalks and roads, as well as gutters and roof valleys.
- Third, rain gardens are often planted with native wildflowers and grasses that flourish in challenging growth circumstances.
- Finally, rain gardens are intended to divert heavy showers to another rain garden or another area of the garden. Your rain garden should be at least 10 feet away from your home.
What about the garden?
The size and position are determined by the yard. The garden would be wonderful if it were situated in a natural depression. You may also direct water from gutter downspouts into the garden. The soil should be well-drained so that water does not accumulate in the garden for longer than two days.
A unique rain garden?
It is advised to use a soil combination of 50-60% sand, 20-30% topsoil, and 20-30% compost. Before planting, dig this mixture into the soil to a depth of 2 feet. Remove the sod and dig a shallow 6-inch-deep hole after you’ve determined the site of the new garden.
Gradually slope the sides from the outer edge to the deepest part. Use the removed dirt to create a slightly elevated space on the garden’s lowest side. This berm will serve to control runoff and enable it to gently percolate through the rain garden.
Stormwater will normally be absorbed within one to seven days if your rain garden is no more than six inches deep. Because mosquitoes lay and hatch their eggs in seven to ten days, this will help you prevent mosquito issues.
The outflow of your downspout or sump pump should be directed toward your rain garden depression. A natural slope, a shallow swale, or piping the runoff straight to the garden via a buried 4″ diameter plastic drain tile may all be used to achieve this.
Plant selection… the finishing touch.
Plant selection might be the most challenging aspect of creating a rain garden (if such a thing exists). Plants must be sturdy enough to endure floods while still being beautiful enough to look well in the landscape. Deep-rooted, low-care native plants like asters and resilient non-natives like daylilies are ideal.
A well-designed rain garden may include a variety of appealing plants, perennials, trees, and ground coverings. Planting grass strips around the garden and applying mulch may also assist to filter the water. For the first two weeks or so, new plants should be watered every other day.
Your garden should flourish without any further watering once they are firmly established.
Fertilizers will not be required, and weeding will be minimal after the first season of growth. Garden Simply’s mission is to make your organic garden labor more sustainable, productive, and ultimately more enjoyable!
Sustainability is a collaborative effort!
