Page 34 - 7166 - Rain Garden Handbook

Build
Build
28
28 2 2
Prepare for Construction

The planning is over and it’s time to start construction. These are the
Tools and Materials main tasks ahead:
Checklist
1. Gather the tools and materials.

MEASURING TAPE 2. Check the drainage surrounding and within the proposed location for
your rain garden. Confirm the best locations for the inflow and overflow.

WOOD STAKES 3. Lay out the proposed plan for your rain garden using rope, string,
ground paint, and/or builder's chalk. Mark the inflow and overflow
ROPE, STRING, GROUND PAINT, with wood stakes.
AND/OR BUILDER'S CHALK (For Lay Out)
4. Decide if you will import a new rain garden soil mix or amend your
HAMMER existing on-site soil with compost.

5. Excavate the rain garden according to the ponding depth, the overflow
SHOVELS AND RAKES
containment area, and the depth of the soil mix.
DIGGING BAR 6. Install the pipe, swale, or roof downspout extension from contributing
areas that will deliver water to the rain garden.
MINI-EXCAVATOR 7. Either create a berm around the outside of your ponding area or start
(Motorized Excavation Equipment is Optional)
digging at least 1 foot beyond (with a 2:1 slope) the top surface of the
RAIN GARDEN SOIL MIX OR ponding area to provide overflow containment.
SOIL AMENDMENTS
8. Place the soil mix (do not over compact).
LEVEL (Water, Laser, String, or Other Level for
Measuring Elevations) 9. Rock-line your inflow and overflow areas with cobbles.
2" x 4" BOARD & CARPENTER'S LEVEL 10. Place edging around the perimeter of the rain garden area if desired.
(To Help with Leveling the Soil)
MULCH

ACCESS TO WATER

PIPE FOR INFLOW IF NEEDED

ROCKS (COBBLES) FOR
OVERFLOW AND INFLOW Erica Guttman David Hymel David Hymel