What Are Nonpoint Source Pollutants?
The term “rain garden” is something of a misnomer.
In fact, rain gardens experience a wide range of moisture conditions, ranging fromboggyto bone-dry.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
What Is a Rain Garden?
A rain garden is a planting that you install in a low spot in your landscape.
In addition to collecting rainwater, you might also direct downspouts into rain gardens.
A rain garden works somewhat like a retention pond.
How Does a Rain Garden Work?
The principle of how rain gardens work is simple.
You have likely seen water run downhill before and witnessed a puddle on a lawn slowly disappear.
The rate at which water is absorbed is controlled by estimating the amount of runoff entering the rain garden.
The amount of runoff determines the depth of the depression and the size of the rain garden.
Absorption will be aided by adding native plants with deep root systems oramending the soilif thetypeis not ideal.
Perform a simple water percolation test to determine your sites soil drainage rate prior to beginning working.
Rain Garden Sizes
How big should a rain garden be?
Choosing Plants for a Rain Garden
Proper rain garden design dictates that all plants must be perennial.
Consider selecting the following trees, shrubs, and flowers for your rain garden.
Rain gardens may require more care in their first year as they establish their root systems.
A rain garden allows for more water to soak into the soil, preventing chemicals from seeping into waterways.
Locate a rain garden at least 10 feet away from your home to avoid damaging the foundation.
What Is Green Infrastructure?United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Basic Information about Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution.U.S.
All About Rain Gardens.Groundwater Foundation.
Where should your garden go?Three Rivers Rain Garden Alliance.
