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SQUARE FOOT RAIN GARDENS
Matthew BellJacob Bannister
Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens offer homeowners an inexpensive and simple to implement option to reduce stormwater runoff on their property
Rain Gardens can be an aesthetic addition to your property
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Rain GardensRain Gardens offer many benefits. They will: Filter runoff pollution Recharge local groundwater Conserve water Improve water quality Protect rivers and streams Remove standing water in
your yard Reduce mosquito breeding Increase beneficial insects
that eliminate pest insects Reduce potential of home
flooding Create habitat for birds and
butterflies Enhance sidewalk appeal
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Rain Garden InstallationRain Gardens are relatively inexpensive and easy to implement, but do have some material and time costs associated with installation.
Installation requires: Excavation and creation of rain
garden bed Replacement and amending of
planting soil Transport and installation of
plants Mulching finished bed
Due to varying size, location, and site characteristics, costs of implementation can vary considerably.
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Rain Garden Maintenance
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Rain Garden maintenance is very minimal: Weeding during the first few
years to promote desirable plant growth until they are established and can outcompete future weeds
Removing dead plant growth at the start of each season
Cut back plants as new growth begins
A string trimmer may be used for quick clean up
Replacing mulch as needed
4 Tips for a Successful Rain Garden
1. Do the Research and Plan: A successful rain garden takes careful thought and planning
2. Location Does Matter: Make sure your garden is at least 10 feet from the foundation of your house.
3. Work With Your Soil: Amend soil to balance drainage and retention depending on soil characteristics
4. Choose Plants Carefully: Choose plants tolerant of both temporary flooding and drought
Rain Garden Challenges
Urban lawns may lack the area needed for rain garden installation
Costs vary considerably depending on size, location, and installation procedure
Perceived high costs and time investment
Square-Foot Rain Garden
How the idea came about:While promoting rain gardens to the community, we had a hard time putting a cost and size to a rain garden. The idea was to simplify the build and cost.
Square-Foot Rain Garden
There was also interest from renters, homeowners with limited space, or homeowners who wanted to get started but did not want to devote a lot of money or a lot of space
Square-Foot Rain Garden
The goal is to have a rain garden that: 1. Can be used by someone with limited
space 2. That the costs can be controlled for 3. That is expandable or removable
Square-Foot rain Garden
The essentials 1. (2) 8 foot 2x6 untreated 2. (1) 3 cubic feet of peat moss* 3. (1) 1 large bag of mulch* 4. (3) bags of topsoil* 5. (1) Roll of weed block fabric* 6. (12) 3” Decking screws 7. Downspout fittings*
Square-Foot Rain Garden
Total Investment, minus plants:
$58.00
Square-Foot Rain Garden
Step 1: Build the rain garden
Square-Foot Rain Garden
Step 2: Find a location
Square-Foot rain Garden
Step 3: Install gutter outlet
Square-Foot rain Garden
Step 4: Add the backfill
Square-Foot Rain Garden
Step 5: Add the mulch and plants
Square Foot Rain Gardens: Species Options
Heath Aster Bottle Gentian Blue Flag Iris Obedient Plant
Prairie Dropseed Little Blue Stem Mountain Mint Black-eyed Susan
Square Foot Rain Garden
Total Investment plants:
$80-100
Square Foot Rain Garden
Total Investment:
$140-160
Square Foot Rain Garden: Recap
Square foot rain gardens can be an urban option where space is limited
Cost estimates are simple and controlled, and can be modified to meet individual needs
Square foot rain gardens are simple to install, and can be easily removed
Square foot rain gardens are easily maintained
They create curb appeal in limited space