Rain Garden Ideas
Rain gardening is a little-known planting technique that allows homeowners to collect rainwater runoff into a landscaped area rather than allowing the water to escape--unfiltered and unused---into a storm drain. Rain gardens are not ponds; they are not intended to hold water but rather to capture, filter and return it safely and gently to the environment. Rain gardens reduce highly concentrated nutrients and silt normally found in storm water and control erosive action. Does this Spark an idea?
Where To Put A Rain Garden
Your rain garden should be no less than 10 feet from your house to avoid seepage into your home's foundation. Don't choose a location where water already pools---instead, select an area with a gentle slope to catch water from the downspout. A successful rain garden will eliminate standing water spots by distributing water more efficiently. Select a location that receives all-day sun, and do not site your garden over your septic tank.
Size
Any size rain garden helps, but the larger the garden, the more plant varieties you will be able to incorporate. Typically, home rain gardens are between 100 and 300 square feet. Depth should be anywhere between 4 and 8 inches deep. Too deep and the water will sit too long; too shallow and the water will run out too quickly. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides extensive tables to determine the proper size and depth for your final design.
Soils
Always begin with a soil test. Your county agricultural extension office can help you determine the pH level of your soil and other considerations. These agencies can tell you the best way to improve your soil to improve drainage, increase absorption and reduce compaction. Based on your findings, you may need to add topsoil, sand or compost to achieve the best results.
Plants
Start with small, healthy plants. Younger plants will acclimate more quickly and often outgrow larger plants placed at the same time. The best filtration is provided by plants with deep, fibrous roots. Native plants are always the best choice, but noninvasive cultivars can provide interest. For easy care, choose perennials, shrubs and trees. Annuals can be used for color, but they don't provide a great deal of filtration and will increase your maintenance time.
A rain garden can provide shelter and food for wildlife. The native plant species that thrive in local rain gardens attract a variety of beneficial insects and birds. Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma are popular choices for rain gardens--their purplish-pink flowers draw bees and butterflies. Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed) is a magnet for monarch butterflies and hummingbirds. The bright red berries of Ilex verticillata (Winterberry holly) provide cover and food for songbirds.
Maintenance
Rain garden maintenance is no different than any other garden. You will need to remove weeds and prune back perennials at the end of the season. Every year, a light mulch can be used to keep weeds in check. During the first two years, your garden will need regular watering. After plants are established, watering may be unnecessary unless drought is severe. Do not use fertilizers on your rain garden. Fertilizers will stimulate weed growth. Instead, add a light layer of compost in the spring.
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