More Rain Gardens.
In spring a while ago, we designed and installed some rain gardens in Lake George. The gardens were created at an inn right on the lake. Later, we added more plants into the design. Recently we stopped by to see the progress of these Lake George rain gardens in their maturity. Native plant species spend a lot of energy developing their root structures the first year they’re planted, so we expected everything would be more spectacular and fuller this year.
Rain gardens can come in several different styles. Most well-known there is the depressed, catch basin rain garden style that captures the rain and holds it until the ground absorbs it, not more than two days and usually just several hours. Native plant species are used exclusively, as they have massive root structures (often double or 4x the top growth height) that act like sponges, soaking up the rainwater.
Another format for a rain garden is a utilitarian grass bed. These are traditionally used as storm water runoff catch basins adjacent to structures. The grasses are a pragmatic choice because they are workhorses in the storm water absorption department. Native grass species like Big Blue Stem (Andropogon girardii) and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium develop strong, multi-tiered root structures that just soak up storm water like it was their job.
A third rain garden style is cultivated in spaces that traditionally have standing water after it rains; a wetland style garden design is employed. The native plants used in this rain garden style must be able to tolerate standing water. The Asclepias incarnata, Swamp Milkweed and Cephalanthus occidentalus, Buttonbush are two examples of wetland native plants.
Well, technically Buttonbush is a native shrub.
More and more native plant species are starting their bloom cycles in the Lake George rain gardens as they reach maturity. It is truly a beautiful process to be a part of. Want our landscaping team to design + build a rain garden project for your property? Fill out our website inquiry form today to set up a consult + site evaluation meeting!
