What are the zones of a rain garden?
What are the zones of a rain garden?
There are three rain-garden zones, each for a different microclimate within a rain garden: Bottom – typically bottom of a basin or swale. Prone to temporary pooling of water and cold air (cool night air pools in low spots). Terrace – typically atop a terrace or pedestal within—or on bank of—a basin or swale.
How do I site a rain garden?
Dig a hole about 6-12 inches deep and at least 4 inches in diameter in the rain garden site (roughly the size of a coffee can). Fill the hole with water and let it sit for an hour or two to pre-wet the soils for your test.
When should you plant a rain garden?
Although a rain garden can be installed anytime the ground is not frozen, spring and fall are the best times to start your garden. In spring, the soil is easier to dig and the rainy weather means less initial watering.
What is a residential rain garden?
A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape that collects rain water from a roof, driveway or street and allows it to soak into the ground. Planted with grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens can be a cost effective and beautiful way to reduce runoff from your property.
Are hostas good for rain gardens?
Plants for a Full-Shade Rain Garden: While they are mostly known for their foliage, hostas produce pretty flowers in the summer and early fall months. Once established, the plant can withstand heat and mild droughts, but are a perfect plant for your rain garden, as they prefer wet soil.
Can you plant trees in a rain garden?
Most of the vegetation planted in rain gardens consists of shrubs and herbaceous plants, but you can also install trees in a rain garden if you wish. However, you must pick species that can adapt to the conditions present in or near the rain garden if you want to give the trees the best chance of thriving.
How deep should my rain garden be?
A typical rain garden is between four and eight inches deep. A rain garden more than eight inches deep might pond water too long, look like a hole in the ground, and present a tripping hazard for somebody stepping into it.
How much does it cost to put in a rain garden?
The cost associated with installing residential rain gardens average about three to four dollars per square foot, depending on soil conditions and the density and types of plants used in the installation. Commercial, industrial and institutional site costs can range between ten to forty dollars per square foot.
How deep should a rain garden be?
between four and eight inches deep
A typical rain garden is between four and eight inches deep. A rain garden more than eight inches deep might pond water too long, look like a hole in the ground, and present a tripping hazard for somebody stepping into it.
Are rain gardens expensive?
Are daylilies good for rain gardens?
Even when not in flower, Daylilies provide nice texture in the rain garden with their narrow, fountain-like leaves. If you live in a tropical environment, try Spider Lily (Hemerocallis latifolia) in your rain garden.
Why are rain gardens bad?
Heavy metals: Soil and mulch in rain gardens contain particles that will adsorb and hold metals including copper, cadmium, lead, and zinc. A small fraction of the metals are sucked into plant roots and vegetation. While metals are not degraded in rain gardens, they’re present at very low levels.
