By Ann Lapides
As environmental concerns grow, homeowners are increasingly turning to rain gardens as a practical and eco-friendly way to manage wet areas on their properties. Rain gardens are designed to capture and absorb rainwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality. Rain gardens are shallow basins strategically placed to intercept rainwater from roofs, driveways, and other impervious surfaces that typically contribute to wet areas.
Rain gardens are more than just functional; they are also a boon to local ecosystems. You can create habitats for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. These gardens promote biodiversity, which is essential for a healthy environment. The presence of native plants helps to support local flora and fauna, ensuring that you contribute positively to the ecological balance of the area.
Aesthetically, rain gardens can transform wet, problematic areas into beautiful, vibrant spaces. With their lush, colorful plantings, rain gardens offer visual appeal that enhances the landscape. You can design these gardens to complement your existing outdoor spaces while adding unique elements that draw the eye. The combination of functionality and beauty makes rain gardens a desirable feature to improve your property’s appearance.
Selecting appropriate plants is crucial for the effectiveness of rain gardens. Wildflowers and their hybrids are highly recommended as they are well adapted to local climate and soil conditions, making them resilient and low-maintenance. These plants are better equipped to handle varying water levels and provide the necessary filtration and absorption functions. Some popular choices for rain gardens include: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias), Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), Rose Turtlehead (Chelone), Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinacium), and Marsh Blazingstar (Liatris spicata).
See these plants at Sugar Creek Gardens, garden center located in Kirkwood, Missouri or online at www.sugarcreekgardens.com.
Sugar Creek Gardens
1011 N Woodlawn
Kirkwood MO 63122
314-965-3070
sugarcreekgardens.com