With the ever-unpredictable weather changes and amplified rainfall throughout Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington, the importance of creating a sustainable environment for your landscape becomes increasingly more important. A rain garden can help manage storm water runoff as well as act as an eco-friendly solution to improve the aesthetic of your outdoor landscape. In this blog, you will explore what a rain garden is, the benefits, and how to create one for yourself.
What is a Rain Garden?
A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped depression designed to capture and manage stormwater runoff. The main purpose of a rain garden is to steer water away from storm drains and natural bodies of water in order to prevent things like soil erosion and pollution. Most of the time rain gardens are filled with native plants, which not only increases biodiversity but helps to create a thriving environment.
Benefits of Rain Gardens
Water Control
Rain gardens help reduce soil erosion by trapping and slowing down stormwater runoff, allowing it to incorporate into the soil naturally.
Pollution Reduction
The plants in a rain garden perform as natural strainers, capturing and breaking down pollutants, stopping them from reaching larger bodies of water.
Biodiversity
Native plants in rain gardens attract nearby wildlife, resulting in increased biodiversity and creation of a stronger ecosystem.
Aesthetic
Beyond their environmental benefits, rain gardens can dramatically increase the attractiveness of your outdoor area, not only adding more color and beauty, but also increasing the value of your property.
Conservation of Water
By decreasing our reliance on stormwater frameworks and the improvement of water quality, rain gardens help increase the overall conservation of water resources.
Creating Your Rain Garden
Placement
It’s important to select a location that receives runoff from roofs, driveways, or other impermeable surfaces. Make sure the site has good drainage and is at least 10 ft away from the foundation to prevent water seepage into your home.
Dimensions
You can choose the size of your rain garden based on the amount of runoff the area receives. A slight slope is recommended to help water to flow into the garden.
Soil Prep
Test the soil to make sure it drains well. Modify the soil with compost if needed. Excavate the assigned area, forming a basin with a depth of 4-8 inches.
Plant Selection
Select native plants adapted to your region’s climate, these plants will be stronger and need less maintenance. Consider a mix of flowers, grasses, and shrubs for diversity.
Planting
Place plants based on their water needs, those needing damper conditions towards the center. Mulching the surface will suppress weeds and help to retain moisture.
Maintenance
Water freshly planted rain gardens consistently until the plants are fully established. Get rid of debris and weeds as needed, prune and separate plants as they grow to maintain a healthy garden.
The creation of a rain garden is not just a way to create a sustainable landscape but also an opportunity to connect with nature. By creating a rain garden you are conserving water, creating biodiversity, and forming a healthy ecosystem. If this is something you’re interested in, either get out there and start planning or contact us today for a FREE estimate!