Designing a rain garden is an excellent way to manage yard runoff and improve the quality of water that flows into nearby bodies of water, such as Lake Michigan. Rain gardens not only help to absorb excess stormwater, but they also filter out pollutants, reduce flooding, and provide beautiful landscapes that attract wildlife. In this post, we’ll explore the key steps to designing an effective rain garden near Lake Michigan, with an emphasis on selecting the right plants and incorporating sustainable practices that support local ecosystems.
Understanding the Importance of Rain Gardens Near Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is a vital resource for both the local environment and communities, but urban and suburban development around the lake has increased stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants like fertilizers, oils, and heavy metals into the water. By designing a rain garden to capture and filter this runoff before it reaches the lake, you can significantly reduce pollution, improve water quality, and protect the natural habitat of the area.
Rain gardens also help prevent erosion by slowing down water and allowing it to soak into the soil, preventing excess water from carrying away valuable topsoil and pollutants. This is especially important in areas close to Lake Michigan, where soil erosion can negatively impact both local ecosystems and the lake itself.
Key Considerations for Designing a Rain Garden Near Lake Michigan
- Choosing the Right Location
The first step in designing a rain garden is selecting the right location. Ideally, the garden should be positioned in a low-lying area of your yard where water naturally flows after rainfall. The rain garden should be placed at least 10 feet away from any building foundations, driveways, or sidewalks to avoid water from seeping into structures.
In areas near Lake Michigan, it’s essential to ensure that the rain garden is not too close to water bodies, as runoff can flow directly into the lake. Proper placement should allow the water to percolate through the soil, where it can be filtered naturally before it reaches the water table or eventually drains into the lake.
Landscape drainage solutions services can help you properly design your rain garden to ensure it functions effectively by managing runoff in the most appropriate area of your yard.
- Sizing the Rain Garden
To design an effective rain garden, you must first determine its size. The size depends on the amount of runoff your garden needs to capture. A general rule of thumb is that your rain garden should be about 20-30% of the area that drains into it. For example, if your roof or driveway drains 1,000 square feet of water, the rain garden should be approximately 200-300 square feet in size.
The depth of the garden is also important. Typically, rain gardens are between 4 to 8 inches deep, with the lowest part of the garden being the deepest. Proper landscape drainage solutions can help ensure that the garden is properly graded to allow for optimal water flow and absorption.
- Selecting the Right Plants
One of the key features of a rain garden is its ability to filter and absorb runoff, and this can only be achieved if you select the right plants. Native plants are the best choice for a rain garden, as they are well-adapted to the local climate, soil, and rainfall patterns. They have deep root systems that help to absorb water and prevent erosion, and they are also better for local wildlife, providing food and shelter for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
In areas near Lake Michigan, consider planting the following native species that thrive in rain garden environments:
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): A great plant for attracting pollinators like monarch butterflies and bees. It thrives in wet conditions and can tolerate standing water.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A drought-tolerant plant that attracts pollinators and adds color to your rain garden. It grows well in moderately wet conditions.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A hardy native plant that thrives in wet soil and blooms throughout the summer, providing nectar for bees and butterflies.
- Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): This plant attracts butterflies and grows well in moist, well-drained soil.
- Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): An attractive flowering plant that thrives in wet, well-drained soil and attracts pollinators like butterflies.
You can also combine grasses, sedges, and flowering perennials that are well-suited for wet environments. Garden design & planting professionals can help you select and arrange the right plants to optimize water absorption and create a stunning garden.
- Soil and Mulch Preparation
A crucial part of designing a successful rain garden is preparing the soil to allow for proper water drainage. The soil in your rain garden should be well-draining, and you may need to amend it by adding organic matter like compost or sand to improve drainage and structure. This will help the water to percolate through the soil rather than pooling on the surface.
Mulch is also important for a rain garden, as it helps retain moisture and prevents erosion. However, it’s important to use the right kind of mulch. Organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, is ideal for a rain garden because it decomposes slowly and adds nutrients to the soil over time. Avoid using plastic or rubber mulch, as it can block water from entering the soil.
Mulching & garden bed maintenance services can help ensure that your rain garden is properly mulched to enhance its ability to absorb and filter water.
- Maintenance Tips for Your Rain Garden
After your rain garden is installed, it’s important to maintain it to ensure it continues to function well. Regular maintenance includes:
- Cleaning the Drainage Area: Keep the drainage area around the rain garden free of debris, such as leaves, branches, and trash, to ensure that water can flow freely.
- Pruning and Deadheading: Remove dead plants and flowers to maintain the appearance of the garden and encourage new growth.
- Replacing Plants: If certain plants don’t thrive in your rain garden, consider replacing them with better-suited species.
Regular lawn maintenance & mowing services can help keep your rain garden looking tidy and ensure it functions properly year-round.
Conclusion
Designing a rain garden is an effective way to manage yard runoff near Lake Michigan, helping to protect the water quality of the lake and surrounding ecosystems. By carefully selecting a location, sizing the garden appropriately, choosing native plants, and maintaining your rain garden, you can create a sustainable and beautiful feature that benefits both your yard and the local environment. Working with professionals who specialize in landscape design & installation and landscape drainage solutions will help you design a rain garden that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
