 | | Sambucus canadensis, Eupatorium maculatum and Clethra alnifolia |
What do Elderberry, Joe-Pye Weed and Summersweet have in common? Besides being native plants, all three can tolerate periods of wet feet and dry conditions - which makes them prime candidates for a rain garden. With more than 10 inches of rain in the past month there is no better time to suggest a rain garden to your customers. Raingardens will hold water only for about 12-48 hours following a long or strong rainfall. Because they drain rather quickly, mosquitos will not breed in them. Site them where water accumulates - near down spouts, alongside the driveway or any low area. They are the best way to slow storm water run-off while filtering out pollutants.
Take a look at this detailed article, Sustainable Landscaping: Rain Gardens from University of Rhode Island. Below are just a few suggestions to get you started. For more, click on the link above.
Trees
Alnus incana (Speckled Alder)
Betula nigra (River Birch)
Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood)
Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum)
Shrubs
Aronia arbutifolia (Chokeberry)
Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
Vaccinium (Highbush Blueberry)
Perennials
Aquilegia canadensis (native Columbine)
Asclepias (Swamp Milkweed)
Astilbe (False Spiraea)
Chelone (Turtlehead)
Filipendula (Meadowsweet)
Monarda (Beebalm)
Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern)
Solidago (Goldenrod)
Tradescantia (Spiderwort)
You can also pick up a copy of Rain Gardens by Nigel Dunnett and Andy Clayden. It's a comprehensive look at different types of rain gardens - from roof top plantings to infiltration gardens and beyond. It includes case studies and an extensive plant list with great information at a glance. Never planted a rain garden? Try something new! We're here to help.
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