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