Rain gardens

Member	Message
antiquelady Joined: 9/27/2002 Location: south central pa Posts: 20	Posted: Apr/20/2008 5:16 PM PST I have an small area behind a shed and house that is partial shade and very low. About 10 by 20. I would like to make a rain garden. I know I have to make a dry stream bed to the drain under the shed but a lot of water lays here until it can seep into the ground. It is very wet durung the spring (getting heavy rains right now, about 2"). The area gets a small amount of morning sun. It isn't an area the will be used much but is a eye sore right now. Just a stepping stone walkway, no plants not even grass or many weeds. Any suggestions for plants that can take the water then the dryness and the shade? Quote \| Reply \| Report

karslinky Joined: 8/28/2004 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 504	Posted: Apr/26/2008 4:45 PM PST Cimicifuga is a gorgeous plant with white tassle=like flowers and needs lots of water (will need water to grow well later in the year perhaps). There is something tickling my brain that likes it damp, but it is not coming to me right now - I will sleep on it and get back to you! or someone will stop by and make a recommendation... Quote \| Reply \| Report

sweetlebee Joined: 5/09/2005 Location: In a Pacific Northwest 'burb Posts: 19328	Posted: Apr/26/2008 5:33 PM PST That mimics the Pacific Northwest climate. It rains winter and spring and then it's bone dry all summer. I'm not very knowledgeable about NW natives, but I bet some of them would do fine in your zone. You might find a website with a list of them. Solomon's seal is a beautiful plant that can take dry shade once established. Also astilbe chinensis. Hostas and some ferns should do fine too. I think you'll have to be willing to give them some summer water when you're not getting rain, and definitely for the first year or two. Quote \| Reply \| Report

antiquelady Joined: 9/27/2002 Location: south central pa Posts: 20	Posted: Apr/27/2008 6:50 AM PST Thanks! I have solomon's seal that I can divide. It will be a dry spot most of the summer. We got 3" of rain last Sunday and 2" yesterday so it's really messy right now. It is also an area that collects all the leaves in the winter so I am going to try to chop them up and use the leaf mold. Also haave an asillbe that I never felt was in the right place. Plenty of hostas I can divide also. I want to take pictures as I go. I should post some now so everyone can see what I'm dealing with. Quote \| Reply \| Report

sweetlebee Joined: 5/09/2005 Location: In a Pacific Northwest 'burb Posts: 19328	Posted: Apr/27/2008 12:54 PM PST Regular astilbes won't do well in dry soil. You can actually grow them in full sun if you keep them moist. The chinensis is a dwarf variety that can take more sun and dryness. Quote \| Reply \| Report