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 Why should I make a Rain Garden?
Catching rain water in a rain garden allows it to slowly filter into the ground, while reducing stormwater runoff. This helps reduce flooding and erosion in our streams. Rain gardens are a beautiful way to improve the quality of water in our lakes and streams.
Where should I place a Rain Garden?
It is important to locate your rain garden where it will collect the most rainfall runoff possible. Placing your rain garden downhill from paved surfaces where water would naturally flow maximizes its ability to collect runoff.
Rain Gardens are versatile; they can be any size or shape imaginable. It is most practical to locate your rain garden on a level to moderate slopes. An existing low spot in your yard is a logical location. However, do not place your garden in an area where water currently ponds. Standing water shows you where the soil is slow to absorb water. The rain garden's function is to aid in water infiltration.
Be sure to place your rain garden at least 10 feet from buildings to keep seepage from damaging the foundation.
Collecting rainfall from your rooftop is easy, too! Place your garden where downspouts will drain into it, directing water with a shallow swale if necessary. You may also choose to drain your downspouts to your rain garden through a buried 4-inch plastic downspout extender.
What should I plant in a Rain Garden?
Native plants are a natural for this landscape application because they tolerate short periods of standing water, are drought tolerant, and their deep roots make it easy for water to percolate into the soil.
Native plants are also great at:
* conserving soil and water,
* serving as non-pollution landscapes because they don't need fertilizer, pesticides, or herbicides,
* supporting a diversity of wildlife by improving their habitat,
* reducing long-term maintenance after plantings are established, and are less prone to destructive
insects and diseases.
When choosing which native plants are best for your rain garden, consider height, wildlife attraction, flowering and sun/ shade tolerance.
How to:
Here are 3 simple steps:
1. Start by digging a 4-8" depression with gradually sloping sides as large in circumference as you like. A good rule of thumb is to size your garden at 30 percent of the area of the roof from which it will be collecting water. A 4-8" depth will allow water to be captured, but will dry between rain events.
If you prefer to hold water in your garden in drier times, dig a portion a little deeper. Test your soil's ability to hold water by filling the hole with water. If it drains out, you may want to install a plastic liner where you want ponding and install the plants around the liner.
2. Plant native plants.
3. Add untreated, shredded hardwood mulch to a depth of 3" on all of the bare soil around the plants to prevent erosion while your natives are establishing.
For more information about Rain Gardens, please visit Mid-America Regional Council
Mark Your Calendars
On Tuesday, March 31, at 4 p.m., Kansas City Parks & Recreation and Kansas City Master Gardeners will breakground on a new rain garden at Southeast Community Center in Swope Park.
Visit our other rain gardens
Barry Road Park, 8299 N. Congress Ave
Darter Park, 105th Street and Hillcrest Road
Gregg Community Center, 1600 John "Buck" O'Neil Way
Indian Creek , 99th Street and Holmes Road
Loose Park, West 51st Street and Wornall Road - Rose Garden Society
Platte Purchase Park, N.E. 100th Street and Platte Purchase Drive
Southeast Community Center in Swope Park, 4201 E. 63rd Street
Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 W. Pennway
Theis Mall, Volker Boulevard and Oak Street - Kansas City Art Institute
Tower Park, Holmes Road and 76th. Street - Tower Neighborhood Association
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