A rain garden is a planting that you install in a low spot in your landscape. This may be a natural depression on your property, or it may be the result of a planned change in grade that you implement in your landscape. Homeowners may choose to direct their downspouts into rain gardens, where plants can absorb and filter even more water. Rather than water-hungry plants, the ideal plants for rain gardens are native plants, which are naturally adapted to a wide range of moisture conditions. Did you know that approximately 80% of a native plant's mass is underground? That gives you an idea of the potential of native plantings to trap and filter runoff water.
Proper rain garden design dictates that only perennial plants be installed. This is due to the way a rain garden functions as a water abatement feature, which depends on the deep roots of perennial plants. Plants that you install in the center of the garden will experience longer periods of wet garden soil, and will thrive in these moist conditions. Five hardy and long-blooming plants you can't go wrong with here include false indigo, coneflower, hardy hibiscus, black-eyed Susan, and cranesbill. Include some hardy grasses as well, like fountain grass or corkscrew rush.
We don't let the rain scare us away. Give us a call if you're interested in adding a rain garden to your home today.
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