The first step in creating a Rain Garden is choosing plants that grow well in it. Native plants and perennials that can handle standing water should be your first choices. Some of the best plants to choose for a rain garden include purple coneflower, lady ferns, and summersweet. You may also want to incorporate rocks or bark chips in your garden, which will help break up the water flow.
Plants that grow well in a rain garden
When it comes to creating a rain garden, you should consider incorporating native plants. These plants have deep root systems that filter pollutants and allow groundwater to enter effectively. You should also choose plants that have multiple functions, such as Big Bluestem. This plant not only looks beautiful, but also provides shelter and food for many types of wildlife.
A butterfly weed, which is also known as milkweed, can be a great addition to your rain garden. This plant has beautiful orange flowers and attracts butterflies. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9 and can tolerate partial shade. This plant is also a great choice for rain gardens because it attracts bees and other pollinators.
Plants that grow well in a rain gardens are moisture-tolerant native plants that can survive periods of drought. They also have deep root systems that allow water to seep into the soil. When selecting plants for a rain garden, choose plants that are appropriate for your climate, amount of annual rainfall, and exposure to light. If you are planting perennials, choose ones that can handle occasional flooding.
Choosing plants for a rain garden
When planning to build a rain garden, it’s important to choose the correct plants. Native plants are preferred for this type of garden because they need less water and maintenance. They also offer the added benefit of providing habitat for wildlife. When choosing plants for your rain garden, it’s important to consider the three zones.
Native plants are important for rain gardens because their deep roots help filter contaminates and promote efficient groundwater infiltration. It is also best to choose plants that can perform multiple functions, such as Big Bluestem. This plant’s flowers and foliage are not only attractive, but they’re also useful for wildlife, such as butterflies.
Plants in the upper and transition zones do well in rain gardens. They are suitable for both shade and sun. Native plants are ideal because they don’t require special care, and native ones tend to attract beneficial insects. However, you can use non-native plants as long as they’re not invasive.
Designing a rain garden
When designing a rain garden, it’s important to choose plants that tolerate the varying conditions of the soil. The most attractive rain gardens include a mix of plants in various heights and colors. Avoid trees, which will limit plant vigor and cause root competition. In addition, trees can easily outgrow a small rain garden. A good rule of thumb for choosing plants for a rain garden is to keep the size and location of the garden small enough to accommodate the varying climates that your garden will experience.
The shape of the rain garden can be round, oval, or rectangular. A bean-shaped garden is also a good option. Before you begin planting, you should first test the soil’s infiltration rate. To do this, dig a hole and fill it with water three times. After the last fill, let it sit for about two hours. If water is still in the hole after a full day, it’s likely that the soil is too clay-like.
Soils vary considerably from place to place. Soils can also differ within the same yard. In many cases, topsoil is removed before building a house, which exposes subsoil. This subsoil contains more clay and has a slower infiltration rate. This is why it’s important to determine the soil type before you begin construction.
Installing piping in a rain garden basin
When installing piping in a rain garden basin, be sure to use perforated HDPE pipe. Then, cover the pipe with pea gravel. Next, place planting soil in layers of eight inches. Make sure that you don’t compact the soil with machinery or hand tools. Then, plant your plants in the soil.
Installing piping in a rain garden requires digging a trench that is approximately one to one and a half feet deep. You should also line the trench with 2 to 3 inches of rocks. This liner will help prevent water from seeping out. Once the trench is lined, lay the piping into the trench. Next, attach the downspout with a 90-degree elbow.
Before installing the piping in a rain garden basin, you must determine the amount of runoff that is expected. The amount of runoff generated depends on the soil type and rainfall patterns in your area. A rain garden basin should be far enough away from houses, septic systems, and other drainage areas to minimize runoff. A rain garden basin should be large enough to soak up 90% of the runoff generated by the drainage area. If the slopes are steep, make sure to check the percolation rate of the soil. If it is less than eight to 12 inches, the soil will be unable to absorb the water properly.
