Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens: Sustainable Beauty for Your Landscape
At SUDS Design and Installation Company, we specialize in creating rain gardens – shallow, planted basins that manage stormwater while enhancing your property. These eco-friendly features capture runoff, filter pollutants, and support local ecosystems.
Benefits of Rain Gardens
- Stormwater Control: Absorb up to 30% more water than lawns, reducing flooding and erosion.
- Water Quality: Filter pollutants like oils and fertilizers, protecting streams and groundwater.
- Wildlife Support: Native plants attract pollinators, boosting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Save on mowing and watering while increasing curb appeal.
Installation Tips
- Site Selection: Place downhill, 10+ feet from foundations. Test soil drainage (1 inch/hour minimum).
- Sizing: Make the garden 5-10% of the runoff area (e.g., 100-200 sq ft for a 1,000 sq ft roof).
- Excavation: Dig a 4-8 inch basin, berm the downhill edge, and ensure a level bottom.
- Soil Mix: Use 50-60% sand, 20-30% compost, 20-30% topsoil for infiltration.
- Planting: Choose native, water-tolerant plants. Mulch with 2-3 inches of hardwood.
- Finishing: Direct downspouts to the garden and add an overflow path.
Pro Tip: Call 811 to mark utilities before digging. Group plants by water needs – wetter species in the center.
Maintenance
Weed in year one, mulch annually, and prune in spring. Avoid fertilizers and monitor for erosion.
Why SUDS?
Our team designs rain gardens tailored to your site, ensuring functionality and beauty. Contact SUDS Design and Installation Company today to create a sustainable, vibrant landscape.
