The Perma Life

Now that I have my rain barrels up, it is time to start thinking about other ways to control water running off my yard. Stormwater pollution is a huge problem in South Alabama as we get more rain than anywhere else in the country- even Seattle! As more and more land becomes parking lots and roads and roofs, there are less places for the water to infiltrate into the ground. And since water has a pesky habit of picking up and taking whatever nasties it comes across, like fertilizer, pesticides and sediment, that can spell big trouble for our waterways.

I am in love with rain gardens (or bio-retention swales to use the correct terminology) and their potential to help curb stormwater run-off problems, and for the simple fact that they are beautiful.I wish that every home in America had a rain garden. Right now  I am planning one for my side yard. In the meantime, here is an excerpt from a brochure I did for a rain garden project at a local elementary school that I will use to build my own garden.

What is a Rain Garden?

A rain garden is a garden that performs a special function to help protect our waters. Rain gardens are essentially bowls that collect and hold the water that runs off of impervious surfaces (roofs, driveways, etc.). By   capturing storm water run off and allowing it to seep slowly into the ground, rain gardens protect nearby water bodies by absorbing and trapping pollutants and sediment before they make their way into our rivers and bays.  Some of these pollutants are absorbed by the plants and used, while others are broken down by bacteria and made harmless.

Rain gardens are suitable for any land use situation: residential, commercial or industrial.  They can be designed to attract birds, butterflies and other wild life. Rain gardens are a cost-efficient way to landscape; they don’t need to be fertilized or sprayed with pesticide– all they need is weeding and mulching.  Planting a rain garden may seem like a small task, but by catching rain where it falls, you not only are creating a  beautiful space for you and wildlife to enjoy, but you are also helping to protect the streams, rivers, lakes and bays in South Alabama.

Water running off my street during a rain.

Choose A Location

The best spot for a new rain garden is in a low-lying area where water flows naturally. Placing your garden near a hard surface such as a sidewalk or patio is an especially good location. They can also be built near gutter downspouts- just be sure to site your garden at least 10 feet from your home’s foundation. Rain gardens should never be placed over a  septic system.

Before you start digging, determine  your soil type. If you have soil with a lot of clay, your rain garden should be about 60% of the drainage area.  If your soil is very sandy, your garden should be about 20% of the     drainage area. If you have poor soil conditions, consider adding organic matter to your soil.

After you have located the perfect spot for your garden, you need to  figure out the size and shape of your garden– anything goes as long as the size and shape you choose can accommodate the amount of water that will be draining into the garden.

1. Calculate the necessary size for the garden by estimating the square footage of your drainage area. (length x width).   If your  drainage area includes your roof,  follow this example:

The area of your roof is 1200 square feet with 2 downspouts, one of which will connect to your  garden. Divide the square footage by the number of downspouts (1200/2=600). Then multiply your    answer by .2 (for sandy soil) (600x.2=120 square feet of garden needed).

2. Use a rope to lay out your garden area with the longest side facing the direction the water will be coming from.

3. Choose plants suitable for a rain garden. Native plants are best to use, as they are used to our climate and naturally resistant to pesky critters.

4. Start digging. The slope of your lawn will determine how deep your rain garden should be,. If your lawn is flat, 3-4 inches is an ideal depth. The bottom of your garden bed should be as level as possible.  Use any extra dirt to create a berm on the downhill side.

5. Maintain. Rain gardens require mulching and weeding and little else! You may need to water your garden until it is established if there is little rain.