Rain Gardens 'Spring' Back to Life

In October, I wrote about my experience installing in my front yard to help reduce pollution from stormwater runoff. I'm glad to report that thanks to a mild winter, all the plants survived and are growing well.

My biggest challenge during the construction process was removing the red clay that was used to rough grade the yard when my house was built. The layer of poor-draining clay varied between 16 to 28 inches deep, which meant the collection area for stormwater in my rain gardens would be much deeper than the usual depth of a foot or so found in most rain gardens.

After I replaced the clay with the recommended soil mix of 80 percent sand and 20 percent Leafgro, I was concerned the captured stormwater would percolate too rapidly through the deeper than usual soil mix. This scenario wouldn't  provide the plants with enough moisture to survive. It now appears my fear was unfounded since the plants are thriving despite a drier than usual winter.

In addition to serving a means for reducing pollution from stormwater runoff, rain gardens can also provide habitat for wildlife such as birds and butterflies. I planted black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, butterfly weed, and a couple of blueberry bushes so these garden visitors will have a steady source of food throughout the summer.

I also made sure to include some turtleheads (Chelone glabra) when planting my rain gardens. This native perennial with white flowers is the host plant for the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly, the official Maryland state insect. You can impress your friends with that knowledge at the next party you attend.

A number of my neighbors asked me if there is a problem with an increase in the mosquito population when water is collected in a rain garden. I told them the water collected in a properly functioning rain garden should percolate into the soil within 48 hours after a rainfall, thereby eliminating the opportunity for mosquitoes to begin breeding.

So far, I haven't experienced any “ponding” of stormwater in my rain gardens since we have had very few heavy rains after the gardens were installed last fall.

If you are interested in having a rain garden in your yard, Rain Gardens Across Maryland is an excellent guide to use for planning and installation while rainscaping.org also provides good “how to” knowledge through photos and videos. You can also contact the Watershed Stewards Academy to locate a local steward who can help advise you about building a rain garden.

Rain gardens are an effective and attractive way for homeowners, communities, businesses, and other institutions to reduce the effects of stormwater runoff pollution in the Severn and Magothy river watersheds.