Tuesday, April 20, 2010

What's your dirt doin' in my trench?

Here it is. The outdoor french drain that I believe will carry the water spewed forth from my sump pump into the rain garden. Infiltrate, please, but do it at least twenty feet from my foundation.

What do you think? Should I disguise the trench with pea gravel, and plantings on either side? Should I try to heave a little dirt on top and see if grass will grow?

I'm looking for rain garden ideas. I need something that doesn't mind standing in water for a day or two, something that likes not quite full sun, and would really prefer something that looks pretty year 'round, so I don't have a big, sloppy mud puddle every winter and spring.

2 comments:

tatima said...

I am in the same spot. Or I have the same spot... part shade where the gutters drain out below the driveway. I have planted some inkberry holly, which is evergreen, native, and supposedly tolerates some wetness. I wonder how juneberry tolerates moisture? Then you would have fruit, too! What about cranberry? A bog plant! You could always scoot up to RedBud and quiz Catherine for the perfect natives for your situation. I love her for that.

Cate said...

I've been meaning to head to RedBud, but have been waiting for another work project (and paycheck!) before entering the den of temptation.

I wanted Highbush Cranberry - attractive in three seasons, with fruit for the birds (edible for us too, but not all that tasty.) However, you can't plant just one and get berries. I'm thinking of trying to persuade my neighbor to get one too. Amy suggested Elderberry, but I worry that I don't have the space.

Here's an idea: come over and check out the garden, and then we can go to RedBud together. You can be the voice of reason when I start loading up the wagon with plants.

Thomas and I were admiring your garden last time we walked the bike up that hill. I love your dry-creek (but I bet it's wet today!)