What is a rain garden? A rain garden is a garden of special plants that capture and filter rain water and allow it to seep naturally into the soil.
What are the benefits of a rain garden? - absorbs runoff rainwater - provides important habitat for birds and butterflies - keeps runoff out of lakes and streams - helps improve local water quality
Where should I place a rain garden? there is no hard fast rule, but rather guidelines and suggestions: - for starters, watch where rainwater naturally flows - locate the garden where water naturally pools - near downspouts - where sump pump drains - at the bottom of a slope - keep the rain garden at least 10 feet from the house
How big should the garden be? - again, there is no hard fast rule. Keep it in scale of the house. Even a small rain garden will result in big benefits. - design the garden with a dip in the center (up to 8" deep)
What should I plant? - native plants are the best choice. - plants that tolerate moisture - plants that are drought tolerant should be planted around the edges - plant native shrubs in the center dip - if you prefer the neat & tidy look, select shorter plants
Burlington Garden Center 5205 Mormon Road (Hwy 36 South) Burlington WI 53105 262-763-2153 burlingtongc@sbcglobal.net
