A rain garden design is an environmentally positive approach to gardening. Soil and plants have the ability to process chemicals, various wastes like oil and even pet waste. However, the way our cities are design allow the water to drain into a river or some other reservoir, perhaps even untreated. A rain garden design, however, traps water and forces it through the root systems of plants and flowers that essentially filter the toxins out and process them into a non-dangerous state. There are many factors to consider when designing an effective rain garden that will determine its effectiveness at processing waste. One of them is the location of the garden, which is the focus here.
First of all, many people interesting in a rain garden design feel the best place to put one is where all the rain collects already. Many landscapes have an area such as this. One side of our yard would always develop into a small pond every time it rained hard. Our yard sloped down to the back of the neighbor’s garage. Many would think that because that’s where all the water is going, that would be the ideal place to grow a rain garden. Unfortunately, this is not the case. This is one of the last places to consider a rain garden design.
The ideal rain garden design needs an area the is exposed to sunshine most of the day. The area in my yard where the little pond would form during rain storms was shaded most of the day. Without the sun, the drying cycle would not be optimal. Direct sun will help to kill pathogens, which is one of the most beneficial functions of the rain garden design. Furthermore, direct sun will promote healthy and robust flower and plant growth.
Secondly, an ideal rain garden design will ensure that there is no structure within ten feet from any structural foundation. Foundations are susceptible to damage from flooding and saturation. So, the location of your rain garden design should be sunny and away from you house, garage or any neighbor’s house and garage.
Finally, the area you choose for your rain garden design should be as flat as possible and should drain well. You want the area to collect rain water, but you also want it to be able to drain quickly. Furthermore, stagnate water in the summertime attracts mosquitoes which isn’t only a bother but can also increase your and your families chances of contracting mosquito born viruses, which is becoming a greater concern these days.
As was mentioned above, location is only one consideration. This article should have gotten you thinking about which location in your yard would be ideal for a rain garden design. You will want to further consider the plant and flower species you choose and how water will be funneled into the garden during rain storms.
Jonathan writes on gardening topics for Elegant Garden Design.