Wilson County
925 East Baddour Pkwy, Suite 100
Lebanon, TN 37087
Office: 615-444-9584
wilson.tennessee.edu
News and Information from UT-TSU Extension Wilson County
Contact: Ruth Correll, UT Extension-TSU Cooperative Extension Wilson County, 615-444-9584,
[email protected]
For Release
August 1, 2016
Many Benefits of Rain Gardens
There has been increased home owner interest in rain gardens. Building a rain garden creates many
benefits for private property owners as well as communities as a whole. On a small scale, rain gardens
help slow down rainwater runoff, decreasing the potential for soil erosion and improving soil quality over
time. Using a rain garden to catch runoff can also be a benefit by decreasing the need for costly irrigation.
The native plants in a rain garden are also good sources of food and shelter for native birds, beneficial
insects and other local wildlife. Building a rain garden is one way to practice conservation landscaping
and environmental stewardship. Rain gardens can also increase property values by adding landscaping
and aesthetic appeal to a yard.
A rain garden is a planted depression that is positioned to capture runoff from rooftops, driveways and
impervious surfaces and other impervious surfaces and help infiltrate it into the ground. Rain gardens are
used to improve the quality of your yard and decrease impacts of runoff. Rain gardens help restore
natural water balance while replacing maintenance-intensive turf with native plants. Rain gardens can
easily be incorporated into neighborhoods, schoolyards and small-scale commercial landscaping.
Rain gardens capture the “first flush” of water from impervious surfaces and soaks that water down into
the ground. As the water percolates through soil, sediments are filtered out and plants remove nutrients.
Oils are absorbed, and toxic chemicals like herbicides and pesticides are broken down by
microorganisms. Rain gardens create urban wildlife habitat and can be linked with other conservation
landscaping areas to create corridors for wildlife.
Rain gardens can be adapted to fit in many spaces, but there are several key considerations to make
before deciding to build. First, observe when it rains and take an assessment of where runoff comes from,
how it flows across the property, and where it eventually goes. Some key features to note are the location
and connection of gutter downspouts, storm drains, and swales and ditches. Take note of spaces where
runoff could be intercepted using a rain garden and make sure that overflow during large rain events can
be diverted safely back into drainage ways.
It is important to consider in place underground utilities. Call 811 to have underground utilities marked
and to be sure there are no lines running through potential sites. Be sure to account for electrical, water,
sewer, cable, phone, gas, and any other lines you may have running through the property.
Rain gardens should not be placed in existing steam buffers, floodplains, forests or wetland. These areas
are hydrologically sensitive and already perform an important natural function in the ecosystem. Preserve
these areas on your property as they are.
The use of native perennial plants will establish best in a rain garden because they are hardy, have
extensive root systems, can survive in both wet and dry soil conditions, and are adapted to local climate
conditions. Natives do not require fertilizers and absorb more water than standard turf or non-natives. It is
possible to create a plant palette with variable plant heights, shapes, blooming color, fall foliage and
textures. Specific perennials will attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. Berry-producing plants
and dense, clumping grasses are good food and fiber resources for urban wildlife and birds.
The best time to build a rain garden is in dry weather in early spring or late fall. Springtime will have
relatively looser, moister soils for digging and ensure there is enough rainfall after planting to get your
plants established before the dry, stressful summer. Late fall is preferable because water tables are
generally low and plants have entered their dormant phase. This means that they will not feel as much
stress during planting and come out of dormancy in the natural spring cycle ready to do their work.
Rain gardens have many benefits and can add value and beauty to property. For additional information,
on locating a rain garden as well as plants that are adaptable to these purposes, contact your agricultural
agent at your local Extension Office. Thanks to Dr. Andrea Ludwig, UT Extension, for information
provided.
Agricultural Market Summary
Cattle Market Trends
Feeder steers, under 700 lbs. $4 to $5 higher, 700 lbs. and over steady to $2 lower, $110-$172.50.
Feeder heifers, $2 to $3 higher, $100-$165. Slaughter cows, steady, $55-$75. Slaughter bulls $1 higher,
$84-$104.
Grain Market Trends
Soybeans were up; wheat was down; and corn was mixed for the week. Corn: Cash price, $3.31-$3.76.
September futures closed at $3.34 a bushel. Soybeans: Cash price, $9.53-$10.48. August futures closed
at $10.32 a bushel, up 26 cents. Wheat: Cash price, $4.09-$4.29. September futures closed at $4.07 a
bushel, down 18 cents.
For more information, contact the UT-TSU Extension Office in Wilson County at 615-444-9584. You can
also find us on Facebook or visit our website: extension.tennessee.edu/wilson
Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of
Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu
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Contact:
Ruth Correll, UT Extension-TSU Cooperative Extension Wilson County, 615-444-9584, [email protected]