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*Community design/build projects for raising awareness about stormwater capture and functional landscapes}}
*Community design/build projects for raising awareness about stormwater capture and functional landscapes}}
'''The fundamental components of a rain garden are:'''
'''The fundamental components of a rain garden are:'''
*An [[amended soil]] mix
*An amended soil mix
*Suitable planting
*Suitable [[plants|planting]]
'''Additional components may include:'''
'''Additional components may include:'''
*A splash pad of [[stone]] to prevent the downspout flow from eroding the soil
*A splash pad of [[stone]] to prevent the downspout flow from eroding the soil
*An overflow channel to another area of the garden
*A simple overflow [[swale]] to another area of the garden
==Planning Considerations==
==Planning Considerations==
Raingardens look like typical gardens. However, their [[infiltration]] and [[bioretention]] functions are much greater than normal gardens. By landscaping areas to include a surface depression of approximately 150 mm, rain gardens allow runoff from residential properties to collect and to easily absorb into the ground. Within the rain garden, special types of soil, '[[filter media]]' or [[soil amendments]] increase the amount of water absorbed by the garden and infiltrated into native soils.
Location is very important to a functioning rain garden. When looking at potential locations, look for low areas where runoff can be easily be directed into the garden. Rain gardens are a great option for residential LID retrofits because homeowners can customize the garden to suit their desired styles. They can be planted with a variety of vegetation including [[Shrubs: List| shrubs]], [[Graminoids: List|grasses]] and [[Perennials: List|flowers]].
A well-designed rain garden can be maintained with minimal care, which is a great marketing point for persuading homeowners. In the first two years, the plants will need watering to ensure they become established. After this establishment period, the garden should only need simple maintenance, e.g. weeding.
==Design==
==Design==
*The aesthetic can range from very naturalistic to quite formal, depending on the planting plan.
*The aesthetic can range from very naturalistic to quite formal, depending on the planting plan.
*Vegetation must also be capable of tolerating prolonged wet and dry periods unless an irrigation plan is in place
*Vegetation must also be capable of tolerating prolonged wet and dry periods unless an irrigation plan is in place
*If the facility is intended to be relatively inconspicuous, then the tallest plant material should be placed into the deepest part of the rain garden.
*If the facility is intended to be relatively inconspicuous, then the tallest plant material should be placed into the deepest part of the rain garden. Otherwise, choose taller plants for the back of the garden tapering the height down to the front of the garden. <ref name=LO>Peel Fusion Landscaping
</ref>.
Since rain gardens are typically smaller scale homeowner projects smaller stock plants may be considered. Smaller containers may be easier to purchase, transport, and plant, but it may take longer to have a fully vegetated garden. Plant material per Canadian Standards for Nursery Stock, Eighth Edition. Seed planting is not recommended for rain gardens. Plants should be container grown, balled and burlapped or wire basket.
Since rain gardens are typically smaller scale homeowner projects smaller stock plants may be considered. Smaller containers may be easier to purchase, transport, and plant, but it may take longer to have a fully vegetated garden. Plant material per Canadian Standards for Nursery Stock, Eighth Edition. Seed planting is not recommended for rain gardens. Plants should be container grown, balled and burlapped or wire basket.
*This area can be considered a transition area into other landscape or site areas.
*This area can be considered a transition area into other landscape or site areas.
*A variety (min. five) species should be used to prevent a monoculture.
*A variety (min. five) species should be used to prevent a monoculture.
==Landscaping Design Consideration==
*In natural areas, a diversity of plant types not only adds beauty but also create a thick underground root matrix that keeps the entire plant community in balance. In fact, 80% of the plant mass in native prairie communities is underground. Once the rain garden has matured and your sedges, rushes and grasses have established a deep, thick root system, there will be less change in species location from year to year, and weeds will naturally decline. <ref>Appendix D - Low Impact Development Concepts, Rain Gardens: A how-to manual for homeowners, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Page 15</ref>.
*Smooth out any sharp corners to create flow in your garden.
*Neat edges can be established using pavers, walls or bands of turf create an attractive amenity within the residential landscape.
==See Also==
==See Also==
[[category:infiltration]]
[[category:infiltration]]
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