Chances are you've seen a native rain garden in your community already. These clever groundskeeping techniques are gaining in popularity with gardening professionals as well as landowners.
Rain gardens come in many designs and incorporate a variety of moisture-loving plants. All use a shallow depression in the ground, and are intended to temporarily capture and absorb excess rainwater, creating a natural course for the water to flow and fill. The excess water slowly filters back into the ground, reducing runoff and preventing soil erosion. These catchments are uniquely effective in areas where water overflow or drainage is an issue.
It's important to only include native shrubs, perennials and annuals in a rain garden to control erosion by stabilizing soil and filtering runoff water, preventing contaminants from entering the groundwater. Missouri has wonderful native plants that are beautiful, adapted to the state's soils and require little maintenance. A few suggested plants include false dragonhead, palm sedge, buttonbush, shining blue star, water canna, swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, river oats, new England aster, spicebush and sweet coneflower.
Some recommended steps to create a rain garden:
1. Choose a spot away from homes and downslopes.
2. Before digging, check for any utility lines and have them marked by professionals.
3. Determine the size and dig a shallow depression 6- to 8-inches deep.
4. Test the waterflow pattern and make sure it's running in the desired direction.
5. Plant taller plants in the center of the design, and the shorter ones around the outside.
6. Put a layer of untreated hardwood mulch on the bare soil around the plants to conserve moisture.
7. Water the plants several times over the first few weeks to get them established.
Incorporating a rain garden into landscapes not only reduces runoff and improves water quality, but it also serves a valuable role in the environment. It provides food and shelter for important pollinators, such as butterflies, and offers protection for songbirds and other wildlife. Many enthusiastic gardeners use signs to identify plants and offer wonderful educational opportunities for observers. Whether the location is a home, school, business or community area, the benefits of a raingarden are plentiful.