Rain Gardens: What Are They and How to Build One

Image by Seuss. via FlickrBy Lizzy D

Rain gardens are the perfect way to control storm water run-off on your property. Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the ground that are designed to capture storm water.

Storm water would normally run-off into the street where it would be collected in the storm drainage system. This water flows through a system of pipes before it is discharged directly into a stream or river. Storm water discharge to waterways is a major cause of water pollution. Storm water captured in these gardens will infiltrate back into the soil, thereby reducing the amount of water that enters the storm drainage system.

Building a rain garden is simple, and by choosing the right vegetation, it becomes an attractive and low maintenance landscaping feature for your property. The first step is to pick a location. First take a look at where water is coming from and where it is going during a storm. Your garden should be located so as to capture as much of this flow with as little regrading of your property as possible. If necessary, consider building more than one rain garden. Using flexible piping at the end of your downspouts for your gutter will also help you direct water in the right direction.

Next stake the edge of the garden. Consider using a teardrop or curved shape to add additional eye appeal. When you are satisfied with its shape, dig a hole 8 inches deep with tapered edges. The bottom of the garden should be fairly level. If the ground is sloped you can create a level base by using the soil you dig out to form a berm on the downhill side.

Your next step is to choose your plantings. Since you want your rain garden to be self-sustaining and low maintenance you want to use shrubs and/or perennials. Search the internet for rain garden plantings for your area, or ask a local nursery for ideas. Plants should like full to partial sun and not mind being wet for at least a few days at a time. Consider plants that will attract birds or butterflies to add a second dimension to your new garden.

With plantings in place, simply add a couple inches of mulch to protect the soil and plants, reduce weeds and to further encourage infiltration of the storm water. Since the depression will fill with water during each storm, be sure to use shredded hardwood mulch rather than pine chips so that it won't float.

Congratulations, you're done! While rain gardens are designed to require minimal maintenance, keep an eye on it for the first few storms, and be sure to replace any plants that don't survive.

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