Rain gardens are a beautiful and environmentally friendly addition to any home, and they're particularly useful additions in urban areas and locations downslope from driveways, roofs and other impermeable surfaces that cannot absorb water. These gardens provide a valuable place to filter rain runoff and protect groundwater after a heavy storm.
Rain gardens are created with deep-rooted plants that help water seep into the soil — during storms, the water is directed to the garden via downspouts, and the garden captures that water and drains it into the soil within a day. With the right strategy, you can create a stunning new garden in low areas of your yard and effectively use excess water that would normally pool, creating an eye-sore or attracting unwanted wildlife.
Building the Ideal DIY Rain Garden
If you find that excess rainfall collects in areas of your yard, you can easily construct a new, stunning rain garden as an effective solution to the runoff. It can prevent flooding or water damage in your home. To build your own rain garden, follow these three simple steps:
- Find a location: Look for a new rain garden spot that’s downslope or at a depression at least 10 feet away from your home. Avoid placing your garden over utility areas like underground lines or septic tanks. Then, lay attractive rock or insert PVC pipe to channel the excess water. Once you choose the best location, determine the size and shape of your garden.
- Select plantlife: Choose deep-rooted plants that can tolerate damp sites. Many native plants like iris, aster, daylily, sedum, coneflower and artemisia are ideal for rain gardens, as are grasses like sedge and rushes. Another plant option for your rain garden are marginal plants, which typically grow alongside ponds. They can usually endure extremes in climate, which makes them a perfect choice.
- Create the garden: Begin making your garden by removing the grass in the area, then using a shovel to dig to an appropriate and even depth — a level garden will ensure even percolation. In the space, fill the area with rain garden soil that will allow for proper infiltration, storage and absorption. Finally, begin planting your landscaping, with the plants that prefer wet conditions in the center and those better suited for standing water or drier conditions along the edges. After planting, install at least three inches of mulch.
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse Today for Plumbing Services
If you’re a resident of the Greater Syracuse area, contact the friendly, reliable technicians at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for your plumbing needs or assistance finding the best location for your rain garden. We provide comprehensive residential plumbing services for all local homeowners, including drain cleaning, water heater installations and plumbing maintenance, among other solutions. To learn more about our services, call us today at 315-472-1203, or fill out our online form to request services.