Town Hall Rain Garden

Conservation Advisory Council Rain Garden

Benefits of a Rain Garden:

• Captures rain water
• Reduces stormwater pollution
• Attractive landscaping
• Natural habitat for birds and butterflies
• Recharges the ground water

The Town of LaGrange Conservation Advisory Council planted their garden in June 2007 as a representation of how a Rain Garden can enhance your property while helping the environment.

Location Location Location!

Your garden should:

• Be flat or slightly sloped
• Be away from septic system, well, water supply or areas of standing water
• Be at least 10 feet from your house
• Be placed in full sun or partial shade
• How Big? Consider - size of drainage area, type of soil, depth of garden

Some tips:

• Try to use native plants, they can handle our weather conditions better than most plants
• Choose plants that can handle moist & dry conditions
• Don't forget to plant on your berms to retain the soil
• Use natural mulch (not dyed) to retain moisture, discourage weeds and help filter pollutants
• Monitor your rain garden to make sure it is functioning properly
• Consider placing an overflow pipe for heavy rainfalls
• Most are between 150 - 300 square feet

Sun loving rain garden plants used in the 10' x 13' bed

• A - Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' Maiden Grass
• B - Myrica Pennsylvania Bayberry
• C - Ilex vert. 'Southern Gentleman' Winterberry
• D - Echinacea purpurea ' Rubinstern'
• E - Clethra Alnifolia ' Hummingbird'
• F - Liatris spicata 'Floristan'
• G - Anemone x hybrida 'September Charm'
• H - Monarda didyma 'Petite Delight'
• I - Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy' ('Herbstfreude')
• J - Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'
• K - Aster novae angliae ' Purple Dome'

For more information contact:

• Judy Wolf,  Town of LaGrange Conservation Advisory Council
• Dutchess Co. Soil & Water Conservation District (845) 677-8011x3
• Cornell Cooperative Extension,  Millbrook (845) 677-8223
• Rain Garden Network
• Wisconsin Rain Garden Manual
• Virginia Rain Garden Information
• Rain Gardens at University of Connecticut
• Rutgers Rain Garden information
• New Jersey Native Plant Society Rain Garden Information

Contibutors to our Town Hall Rain Garden

• Maung Htoo, Chairman, LaGrange CAC (Project initiation & coordination)
• Dianne Olsen (design & supervision), Dianne & Kevin Ferris
• CAC members - Mary Gomez, Rolf Nijhuis, Nancy Swanson (planting); Judy Wolf (maintenance & brochure)