The solutions to your landscape’s water problems can be both practical and beautiful
Whenever I am work to resolvewater problemsin a landscape , I must acknowledge that H2O will always win . The good we can do iscreatively direct ittoward the areas where we would like it to end up , with a focal point on minimizing corrosion terms and retaining as much water as possible for use on situation . Plants can be part of the solution , and some erosion control systems even double as useful out-of-door quad likepatiosandwalkways . Here are a few melodic theme to get you thinking about how you may manage rainwater in your own garden .
Plants that help with water retention and erosion prevention
One of the elementary path to deal rain in the landscape is with the thoughtful placement of planting beds . For example , planting on steepslopescan be used to retard down water supply and preclude erosion . One of my pet shrubs for this determination is ‘ Gro - miserable ’ sumac ( Rhusaromatica‘Gro - Low ’ geographical zone 4–9 ) . When instal aground coverlike ‘ Gro - Low ’ on a usurious slope , you may supply extra corroding control by underwrite the bare ground between plants with a coconut - fiber mat . This biodegradable material will cover the dry land effectively for several years until the plants grow together to form a continuous ground cover song . Cocos nucifera - character mat is available in rolls at home improvement centers , farm provision stores , and from supplier that carry stormwater - drain systems and materials .
Another musical theme for planting on a slope is to commingle plant with fibrous root systems that take for soil in place ; these can be used in conjunction with plant that have abundant disk overhead branching or foliation to soften rainfall from above . The good mixed planting make appealing showing of people of colour and texture and are very effective in controlling and absorbing rain . Mostornamental grasseshave broad root system that are well suited for holding onto water . By combine them with low-down , spreading shrubs andsummer - blooming perennials , you could make avignettewith multiple seasons of sake .
Direct water flow with hardscaping
When installingpathways , we can keep open more permeable by using joint materials that allow water to lapse through them . A pathway can take a form that is everyday , courtly , organic , or even geometric look on the material selected and how the clothes designer uses them . pee can be allowed to flow through a space by way of the permeable course or be earmark to sink in into the soil , or there can be a combination of both . It all depends on how the interior designer uses the material and adjusts the slope of the background . The larger the gap or the joints between pavers , the more permeable the path will be .
Joints can be fill up with walkable plants such as turfgrass , moss , or footing cover , or inorganic fabric such as sand , gravel , break down shell , demolish glass , mulch , or soil . For larger volumes of H2O , engineered permeable paving material systems can be used to create patios , formal sidewalks , and driveways .
Water that flows quickly and in large volumes postulate to be handled more earnestly . In instances where plants are not potential to be efficacious for ensure erosion , it ’s time to await at using stone to hold the basis . boulder are stark for retaining grime on rude slopes where one does n’t want to build aformal paries . They can be tuck in where take , and you’re able to apply whatever size of it exercise best for your place . you may use pit slabs to work up steps , with bowlder holding the edge and keeping the soil from washing away during heavy rains .
In this instauration planting , gemstone was used to create a large pebble basin to catch water system from upper - grade gutters .
For a roof corner with minimum water flow , a rain chain may be an choice to the traditional downspout .
When it does show up , let ’s prove to be thankful for every drop of rainfall that falls on our gardens , preferably in a slow , unwavering , nightlong shower that is over by morning . When that does n’t befall , just baby-sit back and smile . After all , what else can you do ? You ca n’t control the rainfall .
Marti Neely , FAPLD , owns and operates Marti Neely Design and Associates in Omaha , Nebraska .
Photos : Marti Neely , FAPLD
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Sloped ground that is heavily planted with a mix of perennials, woody plants, and ornamental grasses does a great job of controlling runoff and absorbing rainwater.
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‘Gro-Low’ sumac has been planted through a mat woven from coconut fibers that will hold soil in place as the plants mature.
This woodland slope is stabilized by the root systems of Pennsylvania sedge (Carexpensylvanica, Zones 4–8) and a mix of fescues (Festucaspp. and cvs., Zones 4–9).
The wide gaps between these granite cobblestones give surface water a chance to soak into the ground instead of running off the surface.
In this informal pathway, turfgrass fills the spaces between flagstones to create a stable, walkable surface that is easy to maintain.
This stone-lined swale efficiently channels stormwater when needed and serves as an attractive landscape element the rest of the time.
In this foundation planting, stone was used to create a large pebble basin to catch water from upper-level gutters.
For a roof corner with minimal water flow, a rain chain may be an alternative to the traditional downspout.
