Rain Gardens A beautiful choice for stormwater Stormwater Division

Stormwater Runoff

Water Quality Water Quantity

Kansas River Wakarusa River

19 th Century Lawrence

20 th Century Lawrence

21st Century Lawrence

Increased Runoff FloodingPollution

Pollutants In Our Stormwater Pet Waste Sediment Fertilizers and Lawn Chemicals Detergents and Paint Yard Waste Motor Oil and Antifreeze

-Rain Garden- Collects runoff from roof and yard, keeping it out of stormwater drainage system. Allows pollutants to be filtered out and decreases localized flooding.

Unlike bog or wetland gardens, Rain Gardens hold water for only 1 to 2 days. Compared to a conventional lawn, a Rain Garden can allow 30% more water to soak into the ground. Rain Gardens are also wonderful habitat for wildlife and can be an attractive asset to any property.

Site Selection  How large  Foundation  Property lines  Downspouts  Overflow  Location of trees  Locate utilities

Natural Design & Plant Selection  Front or back yard  Formal or natural  Full sun or shade  Native plants, shrubs, grasses  Wet and dry conditions Urban

SWAN Rain Garden 320 Industrial Lane

Design Plant species Number of plants needed

Source: Rain Gardens – A how-to manual for homeowners Construction  2-8 inches deep  Flat bottom  Man or machinery  Amend poor soils

Planting  Zones  Plant placement - height  Defined edge  Mulch

Connect downspout underground or with a grass or rock lined swale.

Protect inflow from scouring and erosion.

First Growing Season

Maintenance  Do not fertilize  Limit soil/debris  Remove weeds – no herbicides  Water 1st year  Limit compaction

Downspout Rain Garden

Visitation Church 5141 Main, Kansas City

Douglas County Extension West Rain Garden BEFORE

Douglas County Extension West Rain Garden AFTER

Douglas County Extension East Rain Garden BEFORE

Douglas County Extension East Rain Garden AFTER

Douglas County Extension East Rain Garden AFTER

Rose Turtlehead Cardinal Flower Marsh MilkweedButterfly Milkweed New England AsterSideoats Grama Frank’s Sedge Golden Alexanders Blue Flag IrisLittle Bluestem Blue Lobelia Yellow Coneflower Prairie Blazing Star Culver’s Root Prairie Coreopsis

Source: City of Maplewood, MN Daylily Garden

Source: City of Maplewood, MN Shrub Garden

Source: City of Maplewood, MN Prairie Garden

Source: City of Maplewood, MN Butterfly Garden

Source: City of Maplewood, MN Shade Garden

Source: City of Maplewood, MN Sunny Border Garden

Questions?