Home Page: Rain Gardens
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What is a Rain Garden?
A rain garden is a garden that is planted in a shallow depression in your yard. This depression is planted with Wisconsin native wetland or prairie wildflowers and grasses.
Benefits of a Rain Garden
-Rain gardens increase the amount of water that filters into the ground. This then recharges the local and regional aquifers.
-The help by protecting communities from flooding and other drainage problems.
-Rain gardens also help protect lakes and rivers from pollutants that would be carried from storm water. Such as lawn fertilizers.
-Enhance the beauty of yards along with the neighborhoods.
-Also they provide valuable habitat for birds, butterflies and many beneficial insects.
Choosing the best Location
-Pick a low spot in your yard at least 10 feet from your house.
-Needs to be in front of a downspout or in direct water flow.
-The spot also needs at least a half day of sun.
-Don't place directly over a septic system.
-The typical size range from 100 to 300 square feet.
Planning and starting your Rain Garden
1.) You need to dig a shallow depression that has a level bottom. Dig it the size you want for the garden.
2.) Direct your downspout or sump pump outlet into your rain garden. This can be done by digging a shallow swale or by using buried 4 inch PVC piping.
3.) Plant native Wisconsin plants in a design that suites you.
4.) Water for the first weeks to help the plants get established.
5.) Once your rain garden is established it requires low maintenance!
For a list of Wisconsing Green Houses that sell native plants Click here
For a list of Wisconsin Contractors that can Help Click here
For a list of Plants to use in Rain Gardens Click here
For a list of Plants that grow in Shade Click here
For a DNR manual on how to plant a Rain Garden Click Here
For a Flyer about this information Click here
For a video on the Benifits of Rain Gardens
This video was produced in Dane County www.youtube.com/watch
For more information or any questions please email graffd63@gmail.com