Discover how to plant a rain garden with American Native Plants!
A rain garden is made from native plants and designed to hold and soak the rainwater runoff that flows from gutters and driveways. Rain gardens are both functional and beautiful, providing a vibrant solution to problematic rainwater runoff. Learn how you can create your own rain garden this spring with help from American Native Plants!
Gather the Following
To build a rain garden, you’ll need a level, a spade, a wheelbarrow, river rocks, decorative rocks, landscape fabric, PVC pipe, and plenty of native plants.
Choose a Location
Use the level to check the slope of your property. It’s important to choose a location with an adequate slope so water can drain easily into your rain garden. Locate the spot where rainwater feeds into from gutters or low points and lay river rocks (or decorative rocks) to channel the water directly to the rain garden. You may also use a PVC pipe to direct the flow of water. Ensure that you do not locate the garden over a septic tank or underground utility line.
Establish Depth/Length
To test the porosity of your soil, dig a hole in your designated garden area about eight by eight inches and fill it with water. Use a stopwatch to time how long it takes for the water level to drop. Determine how many inches of water the soil can handle over a 24 hour period, then use that depth as your digging starting point. Rain gardens can vary in size, but it helps to estimate the volume of water that would flow from your gutters and into the garden. Your garden should also fit within the realm of your property, so you can always establish a smaller garden if you don’t want to take up as much space.
Visit American Native Plants
Plant selection is imperative to the success of your rain garden. Visit the professionals at American Native Plants to discuss your project, or shop the selection online. Plants with moist water requirements listed on their tag will offer good results, but it’s important that you only work with native plants.
Whether you’re looking to build a rain garden or beautify your property, American Native Plants can provide you with the right plants for the job. With an inventory of over 400,000 native trees, native shrubs, and herbaceous plants consider American Native Plants your one-stop shop for wholesale native plant needs.
Our nursery, conveniently located in Middle River, Maryland, is open year-round to accommodate your native plant needs. We are constantly updating and increasing our inventory to meet the demands of our customers.
Peruse our catalog, give us a call, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!