Laserfiche WebLink
it may contain weed seeds. <br /> • Watering: <br /> For the first 1 to 3 years, most plants in your rain garden will need deep watering <br /> during the dry season to establish healthy root systems. The rain garden will need <br /> little or no watering after 2 or 3 years. However, watering may be necessary during <br /> prolonged dry periods even if plants are established. During these periods watch for <br /> signs of stress, such as wilting leaves or fading evergreen needles. <br /> • Plant Care: <br /> Maintaining healthy plants in your rain garden minimizes weed seed germination, <br /> improves drainage, and reduces erosion. <br /> • If certain plants continue to do poorly or fail, they may be the wrong plants for <br /> that location. Consider the sun exposure, soil moisture, adjacent plants, and <br /> other growing factors, and replace the plants with varieties better suited for <br /> that location in the rain garden. <br /> • It may be necessary to thin out some plants—plants often grow rapidly to full <br /> size in rain gardens due to the healthy soil and good moisture. <br /> Minimal pruning should be needed in your rain garden, but occasionally you may <br /> need to: <br /> • Prune or trim back shrubs to keep sidewalks and sight distances at driveways <br /> and along roadways clear. <br /> • If you find that the same plants need to be trimmed back too frequently, <br /> consider replacing with lower-growing alternatives. <br /> • Remove broken and dead branches and suckers. <br /> • Clear vegetation growth from water inflow and overflow areas. <br /> • Cut back perennials and ornamental grasses in late winter, before spring <br /> perennials and new flower stalks emerge. <br /> • Weeding: <br /> More weeding may be needed during the first 1 to 2 years after your rain garden is <br /> installed, until plants become established and start to knit together, leaving less <br /> space for weeds to grow. Rain gardens will soak up and filter stormwater <br /> even if weeds are present. However, the plants will not likely grow as well with all <br /> the competition, and your rain garden will not be as attractive. Weed by hand and <br /> be careful to avoid compacting the soil in your rain garden. <br /> 4 <br /> 2g 0( 2 ° <br />