Matthew Bell Jacob Bannister

 Rain Gardens offer homeowners an inexpensive and simple to implement option to reduce stormwater runoff on their property  Rain Gardens can be an aesthetic addition to your property

Rain Gardens offer many benefits. They will:  Filter runoff pollution  Recharge local groundwater  Conserve water  Improve water quality  Protect rivers and streams  Remove standing water in your yard  Reduce mosquito breeding  Increase beneficial insects that eliminate pest insects  Reduce potential of home flooding  Create habitat for birds and butterflies  Enhance sidewalk appeal afbeducation.org

Rain Gardens are relatively inexpensive and easy to implement, but do have some material and time costs associated with installation. Installation requires:  Excavation and creation of rain garden bed  Replacement and amending of planting soil  Transport and installation of plants  Mulching finished bed Due to varying size, location, and site characteristics, costs of implementation can vary considerably. cityofpuyallup.org

popebranch.blogspot.org Rain Garden maintenance is very minimal:  Weeding during the first few years to promote desirable plant growth until they are established and can outcompete future weeds  Removing dead plant growth at the start of each season  Cut back plants as new growth begins  A string trimmer may be used for quick clean up  Replacing mulch as needed

 1. Do the Research and Plan: A successful rain garden takes careful thought and planning  2. Location Does Matter: Make sure your garden is at least 10 feet from the foundation of your house.  3. Work With Your Soil: Amend soil to balance drainage and retention depending on soil characteristics  4. Choose Plants Carefully: Choose plants tolerant of both temporary flooding and drought

 Urban lawns may lack the area needed for rain garden installation  Costs vary considerably depending on size, location, and installation procedure  Perceived high costs and time investment

 How the idea came about: While promoting rain gardens to the community, we had a hard time putting a cost and size to a rain garden. The idea was to simplify the build and cost.

 There was also interest from renters, homeowners with limited space, or homeowners who wanted to get started but did not want to devote a lot of money or a lot of space

 The goal is to have a rain garden that:  1. Can be used by someone with limited space  2. That the costs can be controlled for  3. That is expandable or removable

 The essentials  1. (2) 8 foot 2x6 untreated  2. (1) 3 cubic feet of peat moss*  3. (1) 1 large bag of mulch*  4. (3) bags of topsoil*  5. (1) Roll of weed block fabric*  6. (12) 3” Decking screws  7. Downspout fittings*

 Total Investment, minus plants: $58.00

 Step 1: Build the rain garden

 Step 2: Find a location

 Step 3: Install gutter outlet

 Step 4: Add the backfill

 Step 5: Add the mulch and plants

Heath AsterBottle GentianBlue Flag IrisObedient Plant Prairie Dropseed Little Blue Stem Mountain MintBlack-eyed Susan

 Total Investment plants: $80-100

 Total Investment: $

 Square foot rain gardens can be an urban option where space is limited  Cost estimates are simple and controlled, and can be modified to meet individual needs  Square foot rain gardens are simple to install, and can be easily removed  Square foot rain gardens are easily maintained  They create curb appeal in limited space