How do I build a rain garden in Michigan?
How do I build a rain garden in Michigan?
Rain gardens area strategically created in low-lying areas, with specific layers of soil, sand, and organic mulch. These well-drained soils area 3-6” deep and filled with organic mulch and appropriate plant materials, preferably native species. These layers naturally filter the rain as it runs into the rain garden.
What plants do well with lots of rain?
Plant a Rain Garden
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Swamp mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
- Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium)
- Sedges (Carex)
- Bluestar (Amsonia)
- Turtlehead (Chelone)
What makes a good rain garden plant?
Planting a Rain Garden Most of the plants in the center are woody and herbaceous plants that can tolerate temporarily saturated soil. Plant the center of the garden with perennials and native plants that tolerate wet feet. Around these, place plants that tolerate occasional standing water.
What do you need to make a rain garden?
How to Build a Rain Garden
- Choose the Site. Your rain garden should be located at least 10 feet from the house.
- Prepare the Soil. Once you’ve identified the new garden’s location, remove the sod and dig a shallow depression approximately 6″ deep.
- Choose Native Plants. Native plants are the best choice for rain gardens.
What plants are used in a rain garden?
Grasses & Sedges for your Rain Garden: Grasses and sedges are a great way to fill space and add color and dimension to the garden. They’re also hardy and tolerant to a range of conditions! The three types of grass and sedges we use most commonly in our rain gardens are Switchgrass, Little Bluestem, and Hard Rush.
What flower opens in the rain?
Rain lilies have been poking up in overdrive, thanks to soaked soils. These somewhat modest but elegant bulbs, known as Zephyranthes, bloom in different colors and at different times of spring and summer, depending on the species.
Are hostas good for a rain garden?
Plants for a Full-Shade Rain Garden: While they are mostly known for their foliage, hostas produce pretty flowers in the summer and early fall months. Once established, the plant can withstand heat and mild droughts, but are a perfect plant for your rain garden, as they prefer wet soil.
How do you landscape a rain garden?
Plants for the rain garden should: tolerate wet roots for short periods, usually 24 to 48 hours, compliment the rest of the landscape and thrive in the area. As with all gardens, proper soil preparation and mulching will help the plants grow and thrive. Provide irrigation and fertilizer for the rain garden as required.
Are hydrangeas good for rain gardens?
(Oak-leaf Hydrangea) Oak-leaf hydrangeas are easily grown in moist soil and do best in full sun to partial shade. The plant is a great option for those looking to plant a bigger shrub/small tree in their rain garden but don’t want to invest in a taller, more costly tree.
