How to Create A Rain Garden!
Ah, the UK – a land of rolling green hills, charming villages, and...well, let's be honest, it experiences frequent rain. While a downpour can be refreshing, heavy rainfall can overwhelm drains and potentially cause localized flooding, perhaps impacting your home and garden. But what if you could turn that downpour into a benefit, even if you have limited space for a traditional garden? Enter the rain garden – a trendy term for a clever way to manage rainwater!
Rain Garden Superhero
Think of a rain garden as a superhero for your yard and the environment, mostly when using raised garden beds or planter boxes! Here's why you might want to consider creating one in Cedar Planters:
FIGHTING FLOODS!
Heavy rain can overwhelm drains, leading to localized flooding. Rain gardens in cedar planters act like miniature sponges, soaking up excess water and slowly releasing it back into the ground. This helps prevent urban floods and protects your property, even if you have limited space for an in-ground garden. Cedar planters' exceptional drainage systems, featuring elevated bases with spaced slats, ensure the collected water drains efficiently. This prevents overflows and safeguards your patio or balcony from water damage, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space even after heavy rain.
From Rain to Refuge:
Stormwater runoff often carries pollutants like oil and pesticides from roads and driveways into storm drains, ultimately reaching our waterways. Rain gardens act as natural filters, capturing these pollutants before they enter the water system. Cedar planters contribute to this process by allowing efficient drainage. This promotes natural filtration by the soil in the planter, preventing pollutants from accumulating and harming your waterways.
Thirsty Plant Paradise:
Plants in your rain garden get a slow and steady drink during dry spells, thanks to the stored rainwater. This means less watering for you and happier plants all around! Cedar planters offer excellent moisture retention, which creates healthy plant growth.
Wildlife Welcome Sign:
Your rain garden becomes a haven for pollinators like bees and butterflies who are attracted to the vibrant blooms of native plants often used in these gardens. Even a container rain garden can provide a vital habitat for these beneficial creatures.
Finding the Perfect Spot (and Planter):
Before you grab your trowel, let's find the ideal location for your container rain garden. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Drainage:
This is key! Cedar Planters are designed with your plants' health in mind. Our garden beds promote excellent drainage. SO, you don't have to worry about this one!
Sun Exposure:
Most rain garden plants thrive in at least a few hours of sunlight, so avoid overly shaded areas.
Size DOES Matters:
Consider the size of your chosen Cedar planter and the mature size of the plants you'll be using. Opt for a planter size that allows for adequate root growth.
Calling All Plant Parents!
Now for the fun part – choosing the plants! Opt for native varieties that are naturally adapted to the UK climate and require minimal watering. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Showy Shrubs:
Select dwarf varieties of dogwood, elderberry, or viburnum for height and structure in larger Cedar planters.
Blooming Beauties:
Foxgloves, catmint, and lavender provide colour and attract pollinators in medium-sized planters.
Water-Loving Wonders:
Irises, bulrushes, and ferns add a touch of wild charm and tolerate wetter conditions in smaller planters. (Research native wetland plants in your area!)
Word to the Wise:
While rain gardens are fantastic, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Mind the Watering:
While rain gardens help retain moisture, during extended dry spells, your container plants may still need occasional watering. Keep an eye on your plants and water them when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Plant Power:
Don't plant anything that thrives in dry soil, as they won't be happy with the extra moisture.
Mulch it Up:
A layer of mulch in your planters helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
You’re All Ready to Dive In!
Creating a rain garden in cedar planters is a rewarding project that benefits your yard, the environment, and even your wallet (less watering!). With a little planning and the right plants, you can transform a potentially soggy situation into a beautiful and functional oasis, even in a limited space. Plus, Cedar Planters' natural durability, weather resistance, and exceptional drainage system make them the perfect choice for withstanding rainy days, season after season. So, grab your gardening gloves, embrace the rain (a little!), and get ready to create your very own rain garden masterpiece in a Cedar planter! For an added layer of protection, make sure to use our geotextile garden fabric liner. This liner allows for proper drainage while preventing the build-up of water that could damage your surfaces.
