
Carex grayi has an ornamental seed head. It thrives in both sun and shade, in rain gardens and around storm drains.

Here’s the first summer’s growth of Hibiscus. It really loves the rich, moist soil surrounding the drain.

The native switch grass, Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ has tripled in size since its April planting. A great plant for stormwater management.

By the end of the summer, the plants have matured enough to begin their hard work of filtering and holding back stormwater.
Ready for a review?
Step 1: Find a drain.
Step 2: Remove turf grass adjacent to the drain to the size you want your garden to be.
Step 3: Excavate existing soil any where from 6 – 12″ (depending on your energy level – deep is good!)
Step 4: Mix excavated soil with composted leaf mulch; about 50-50.
Step 5: Fill in the excavated area with the amended soil.
Step 6: Plant tough, native plants that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions.
Step 7: Topdress with leaf mulch.
Here’s what we put in our garden – so far!!!
Asclepias incarnata, swamp milkweed
Carex grayi, Gray’s sedge
Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus
Ilex verticillata, winterberry holly
Iris versicolor, blueflag iris
Lobelia cardinalis, cardinal flower
Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’, switch grass