How Do You Create A Rain Garden?
Growing in popularity, rain gardens not only enhance property values, they provide an eco-friendly way to divert storm water and reduce pollution. Once established, a rain garden serves to collect runoff and allow it to drain naturally into the ground, replenishing water table levels and reducing the need for expensive drainage systems. Test your soil to make sure a rain garden is feasible. Since the object is to divert runoff back to the ground, the soil must absorb water. Scrap off the topsoil until you reach the base soil, about 6 to 12 inches. Dig a hole 1-foot deep in the base soil and fill it with water. If the water is there after 24 hours, the site is unsuitable. Try a different spot. Find an area where water runs but not where it gathers. Low-lying areas that retain water may become soggy. Flat or slightly sloped terrain is a good choice. Watch the runoff as it exits your gutter system and driveway. Locating a rain garden in that pathway is desirable. Determine the size of you
