Presented by:
David Dods
URS
Overland Park, Kansas
How to Build a Rain Garden
for Residential Yards
1. Locating the garden
2. Testing site soils & sizing the garden
3. Preparing the garden bed
4. Planting zones
5. Inlets & outlets
6. Finishing touches
How to Build a Rain Garden
for Residential Yards
Photo: David Dods
Using Native Soils
(Preferred)
With Engineered Soils
and an Underdrain
Planting Beds -
Two Approaches
Illustrations: Dan Shaw; Barr Engineering
Rain Garden ConstructionUsing Native Soils
Photos: David Dods; Rusty Schmidt
Locating the Garden
Photo: David Dods, URS
• Downspouts
• Driveways
• Sump pump outlets
• Drainageways
• ~10 – 20 ft away from
buildings
Places to Avoid
Photo: David Dods
Utilities, Septic Systems
Uphill of Buildings on Slopes
Behind Structural Retaining Walls if Not Designed for Water/Drainage
Testing Site Soils
Photo: David Dods, URS
• Inspect site soils.
Dig a hole. Look for
soil type, fill
material,
compaction
• Conduct a
Percolation Test
Percolation
Test
Illustration:
Marjorie Vigoren, City of Plymouth, MN
Source: The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens,
by Schmidt, Shaw, & Dods
How much
water soaks in
over 24 hours?
Sizing the Garden
Photograph: Rusty Schmidt
• For residential
yards, the bed depth
is more important
than the area
• Average size:
~About 6’ x 8’ near
one downspout
• Fit it to your
landscaping
Preparing the Garden Bed
Photos: Carla Dods; Rusty Schmidt
• Rototill or double-dig
• Over-dig clay soils
• Amend with compost
Shape & Depth
of the Garden
Illustration: Dan Shaw, Waterdrop Innovations LLC
Pool Depth
Minnetonka
near Shady Oak Lake
Photo courtesy of Washington Conservation District
Bed is dug down
Downhill edge is raised upPhotos: Shawn Tracy; David Dods
Rain Garden Planting Zones
Illustration: Dan Shaw, Waterdrop Innovations
Edges: Dry
Sides: Average
Bottom: Moist
Source: The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens, by Schmidt, Shaw, & Dods
Rain Gardens are not Wetlands or Water Gardens
• Designed to Infiltrate Water in 1 – 1 ½ Day
• Large plant selection
• No mosquitoes
• Tolerates spring rains & summer drought
Improving Infiltration:Its in the Roots
Root Depths
Turf Grass: Inches
Native Grasses & Wildflowers: Feet
Turf
Grass Native Grass
Photos: David Dods, URS
Re-test Infiltration Before
Planting the Garden
Photograph: Rusty Schmidt
Planting:
Include Cute Kids for Photos
Photo: Lynn Hinkle, Astra Communications
Mulch
Use Coarse, Double-
Shredded Hardwood
Pinebark Nuggets &
Cedar Chips Float
Photos: David Dods
Getting Water to the Garden
Downspout Extensions
Photos: Kurt Leuthold, Barr Engineering; Rusty Schmidt
Scupper Rain Chain
Creek Bed
Photos: Rusty Schmidt
Pipe
Outlets
Photos: David Dods
Make sure the
water overflows
where you want it
to go during large
storms
Minnetonka
near Shady Oak Lake
Outlet at End of Berm
Minnetonka
near Shady Oak Lake
Outlet at End of Berm
Finishing TouchesMake the Garden Look Deliberate
Photo: David Dods
Edging
Outlet
Roy
the
Cat Inlet Splash
Blocks
Accents
Borders and Edging:Make the Garden Look Deliberate
Photos: David Dods, URS; Barr Engineering
Care & Maintenance
First Growing Season
• Limit standing water while plants are small
• Water during dry periods
• Pull weeds
Photograph: Rusty Schmidt, URS
Existing Garden Bed
Photos: Shawn Tracy
Example Garden
berm
depression
Overflow (overland)
Photos: Shawn Tracy
Berm (w/ erosion-
control blanket)
Depression (w/ compost)
Photos: Shawn Tracy
Berm
Depression
Photos: Shawn Tracy
Photos: Shawn Tracy
Questions
?
Photo: Washington Conservation District, Stillwater, MN
David Dods
URS
8300 College Boulevard, Suite 200
Overland Park, Kansas 66210
913-344-1022
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