by Melanie Aves

Created on: April 25, 2009

How to design a rain garden

Most of us want to do the right thing about preserving our planet and healing some of the damage we've wreaked on the environment. Now there is an inspired new way to make a difference right where you live, and to enjoy both the process and the product. You can plant a rain garden.

Rain gardens use the roots of indigenous plant species to filter out pollutants and naturally clean runoff water from buildings, roads and parking lots. Research has shown that the majority of pollution in our streams and waterways is generated by dirty storm water runoffs from manmade constructions. In undeveloped land, rain water soaks into the soil and is retained and absorbed into the roots of plants in a natural purification process. But in developed areas, rain water is channeled to run off quickly, carrying with it all of the pollutants it encounters along the way and dumping them into our precious fresh water streams and lakes.

To build a rain garden on your property:

1. Choose a site where water naturally collects and is retained after a rainfall. It may be at the base of your home where gutters and drain spouts empty onto the ground. It may be in a low area where water collects and stands for a time during a heavy storm. It may be at the base of an incline. Most rain gardens are small, but their impact is huge. The ideal rain garden will absorb all of the moisture that would normally run off of your property.

2. Evaluate the fertility, drainage and PH factors of your soil to determine what plants will realistically grow there.

3. Design your garden. Choose an arrangement of plants that will fit the size and the soil quality of your particular site.

4. Prepare the site. If there is not a natural site available you may have to dig to a depth of about 2 feet and replace the existing soil with a mixture of sand, topsoil, and compost to achieve proper drainage. Some gardeners suggest lining the site with plastic poked with holes to inhibit drainage and retain more moisture.

5. Select the plants. The most successful plants are indigenous species that thrive in nearby natural settings. Native plants have already established their heartiness to area weather conditions over generations and are able to withstand the natural extremes of temperature and moisture content. Because of this, once they are established they are virtually carefree. Native plants have also developed symbiotic relationships with indigenous birds, butterflies and insects, over thousands of years. They also feature deep roots that effectively absorb and retain water. These plants are increasingly available at local farm markets.

6. Plant your garden. Keep in mind the light source, and the projected height of the different species you include. If a plant does not thrive, move it.

7. Maintain your garden. Although rain gardens are low maintenance, they are not NO maintenance. If there is no rain, you will need to water your garden, especially until the plants are established. Mulching will help retain moisture and discourage weeds. You may even need to break the natural flow of water with rocks or other blockades to prevent drowning your new plants during storms.

8. Enjoy your garden. Rain gardens, like all gardens, are a place to enjoy sights, sounds, fragrance and texture; a place to celebrate the beauty of life on our planet. They also give us a way to improve and preserve the water resources that are primary to sustain this beautiful life.

Once you have established a successful rain garden you can share your success with others. In some places whole neighborhoods have planted rain gardens to amplify the impact of this enjoyable solution to pollution.

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