What are the steps for creating a rain garden?
• Decide where you want the rain garden located and where it would be most effective in collecting the runoff from your property (i.e. close to a downspout). • Design the garden. Determine the garden size and depth that will maximize the amount of runoff the garden receives. Garden shape is largely a matter of preference or available space. • Select your plants. Choose moisture-loving species for the garden bottom and drought-tolerant species for the sides and berm. Selecting plants that are diverse in color, height, texture, and blooming time results not only in a more interesting display, but one that attracts a greater variety of birds and butterflies. • Plant the garden. Planting time depends mostly on the size of your garden. For most gardens, a few people working together will be able to complete the project in a day. Ask your friends and neighbors for help; this is a great opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of rain gardens.
