5071 Market Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Rain Gardens
What Are They and Why Are They Beneficial
A rain garden is a planted depression, usually bowl shaped with varying levels of depth that has deep, loose soil designed to absorb storm water run-off from roofs, driveways, walkways and parking lots. The idea is to channel rain runoff and snow melt back into the ground versus letting it run off roofs, down driveways and streets and become storm water. Rain is natural; storm water isn't.
As rain runs down roofs, driveways and streets it becomes storm water and collects contaminants as it runs over asphalt, cement, tarmac and our lawns. The storm water empties into storm drains which dump into our streams and lakes. Storm water can carry pollutants, oils, etc from various surfaces to our streams and lakes and increase pollution levels.
By simply redirecting the rain to any size rain garden we can substantially lessen the environmental impact of storm water and increase our natural ground water supply, help to reduce soil erosion and help establish a natural habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and birds. Most rain garden organizations encourage the planting of native flowers in rain gardens in addition to a few non-native species.
Why use native plants?
1.Native plants are tough. They have adapted to thriving in our local weather and conditions. They tend to survive droughts and downpours and survive our harsh winters without special care.
2.Native plants attract beneficials such as butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and birds.
3.Native plants tend to have deep roots. Their deep roots increase the ability of the soil to hold water.
4.Native plants need little or no fertilization.
5.Native plants are available at greenhouses and garden centers. Please do not take the plants from the wild. Doing this disturbs the local ecosystems and can be illegal.
Getting Started
•Rain gardens do not take a lot of formal planning and any size rain garden will be beneficial and you don't need to be an engineer to build one.
•Most native plants do their best in sunny areas however there are native perennials for shady areas. So selecting a location in a sunny area of your yard would be a good starting point.
•The depth of the garden is totally up to you. Any depth that stops the rain from running off and stops it so it percolates through the soil will be an added benefit to the environment. Just keep in mind that clay soils will need to be removed and sandy/loamy soil brought in so the rain water soaks in and doesn't just sit there on top of the clay soil.
•Direct your downspout to your rain garden with extensions or dig a shallow channel leading to your rain garden.
•Plant the rain garden with native plants and a few non-native perennials that can tolerate the dry/wet cycle of a rain garden. A rain garden is a garden and will need your attention during long, hot and dry spells until the plants are established. Fertilizing is not necessary. Mulching your rain garden will help young plants get off to a good start while controlling weeds.
•Last, to keep your rain garden from looking too wild keep the edges tidy and use landscaping edging if you'd like.
Some Native Plants for Sunny Areas:
Hyssop – Marsh Milkweed – New England Aster – Marsh Marigold – Turtlehead – Joy Pye Weed – Sneezeweed – Goldenrod – Liatris
Some Native Plants for Shady Areas:
Cardinal Flowers – Great Blue Lobelia – Ostrich Fern – Virginia Bluebells – False Dragons Head
5071 Market Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 (269)-388-2266