A new concept in gardening that is ecologically and enviromnenally sound is called the Rain Garden. What is a rain garden?
“A rain garden is a naturally landscaped, shallow depression that allows rain and snow melt to be collected and seep naturally into the ground.” These are small gardens designed specifically to withstand extremes of moisture by taking advantage of rainfall and storm water runoff. These gardens are situated near the source of rain runoff from storm water like under a rain spout, driveway or sump pump. Rain gardens capture rainwater runoff to stop the water from reaching the sewer system and are designed to trap all the water that might possibly deluge the area; but plants have to be chosen that will tolerate both a lot or water as well as for times of drought and for all the times in between. To this end, mostly deep rooted native plants and grasses are planted- though one can find other plants that will work. (See here)
The Rain Garden is a specialty garden that needs a special site- probably one place that you might have despaired of ever having a nice garden. Examples of rain garden design are here and here.
By building a rain garden you will not only enhance your landscaping with a garden that will attract native butterflies and birds but will help the water quality in your area and will provide storm water control. (See here)
When looking for native plants to put in your rain garden check out your Native Plant Societies- each state has such a society.  Here or here and many states have a native plant public gardens. See here.  In Pennsylvania a lovely native garden is Bowman’s Hill. These societies and native plant gardens can give you advice on perfect plants for your rain gardens and often have plant sales where you can buy these native plants. Bowman’s Hill has plant sales in the spring and in the fall and also sell seeds. See here.
TheGardenLady would love to have photos of your rain garden. Please email photos.
