WHAT IS A RAIN GARDEN? 

A rain garden, or stormwater garden, is a landscaped depression that captures, cleans, and absorbs stormwater flows from impervious surfaces, lawns, and gardens. The soils in swales and detention basins filter pollution and debris from the stormwater as it is returned to the groundwater.

In our garden, stormwater comes from a conduit to the north, pavement on the west side, and a swale from the south. The detention basin fills up to six inches deep periodically but percolates into the soil within 48 hours. Plant transpiration accelerates drying of the soil. No irrigation system is installed in this area.

Rocks have been installed to prevent erosion around the inlets. Gravel lines the bottom of the detention basin – an additional layer of river rock punctuated with submersion-tolerant grasses is being added.

PLANT SELECTION

Plants in this environment must tolerate alternating saturated and dry soil. Native plants and other deep-rooted low-maintenance plants do not require fertilizer and are most tolerant of the local climate, soil, and water conditions.

Trees and shrubs have been added to provide shade to reduce heating of the habitat.

Iris, Crinum Lilies, and Mallows cover the sides of the swale. Ornamental grasses and perennials fill the edges of the garden. Shade is provided by the flowering Persimmon as well as ‘Whorled Class’ Viburnum, Viburnum obovatum ‘Whorled class’