Rain Gardens A beautiful choice for stormwater Stormwater
Rain Gardens A beautiful choice for stormwater Stormwater Division
Stormwater Runoff
Water Quality Water Quantity
Kansas River Wakarusa River
19 th Century Lawrence
20 th Century Lawrence
21 st Century Lawrence
Increased Runoff Flooding Pollution
Pollutants In Our Stormwater Pet Waste Sediment Fertilizers and Lawn Chemicals Detergents and Paint Yard Waste Motor Oil and Antifreeze
-Rain Garden. Collects runoff from roof and yard, keeping it out of stormwater drainage system. Allows pollutants to be filtered out and decreases localized flooding.
Unlike bog or wetland gardens, Rain Gardens hold water for only 1 to 2 days. Compared to a conventional lawn, a Rain Garden can allow 30% more water to soak into the ground. Rain Gardens are also wonderful habitat for wildlife and can be an attractive asset to any property.
Site Selection ØHow large ØFoundation ØProperty lines ØDownspouts ØOverflow ØLocation of trees ØLocate utilities
Design & Plant Selection Urban ØFront or back yard ØFormal or natural ØFull sun or shade ØNative plants, shrubs, grasses ØWet and dry conditions Natural
SWAN Rain Garden 320 Industrial Lane
Design Plant species Number of plants needed
Construction Ø 2 -8 inches deep ØFlat bottom ØMan or machinery ØAmend poor soils Source: Rain Gardens – A how-to manual for homeowners
Planting ØZones ØPlant placement - height ØDefined edge ØMulch
Connect downspout underground or with a grass or rock lined swale.
Protect inflow from scouring and erosion.
First Growing Season
Maintenance ØDo not fertilize ØWater 1 st year ØLimit soil/debris ØLimit compaction ØRemove weeds – no herbicides
Downspout Rain Garden
Visitation Church 5141 Main, Kansas City
Douglas County Extension West Rain Garden BEFORE
Douglas County Extension West Rain Garden AFTER
Douglas County Extension East Rain Garden BEFORE
Douglas County Extension East Rain Garden AFTER
Douglas County Extension East Rain Garden AFTER
Rose Turtlehead Cardinal Flower New England Aster Little Bluestem Marsh Milkweed Butterfly Milkweed Sideoats Grama Yellow Coneflower Prairie Blazing Star Frank’s Sedge Blue Lobelia Blue Flag Iris Prairie Coreopsis Golden Alexanders Culver’s Root
Daylily Garden Source: City of Maplewood, MN
Shrub Garden Source: City of Maplewood, MN
Prairie Garden Source: City of Maplewood, MN
Butterfly Garden Source: City of Maplewood, MN
Shade Garden Source: City of Maplewood, MN
Sunny Border Garden Source: City of Maplewood, MN
Questions?
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