I have been researching solutions for my flooding backyard for several months. I want native plants and I’m going to dig and plant a rain garden. The resources are a little overwhelming so I was hoping if I write out some of my plans and ideas I can get some feedback.
I live in Minnesota
Aeration and spreading a native seed mix over turf area. This will probably take place in the spring since I’ve gathered it may be too late to seed the lawn and it’s been dry with no rain forecasted.
Digging the lowest spot in my yard lower and planting a rain garden including the following plants:
Fox sedge
Prairie star
Swamp milkweed
Purple dome aster
Black eyed Susan
Butterfly weed
I’ll be working on this next week and my understanding is putting the plants in the ground mid October is ok, they’ll go/be dormant until spring but will survive the winter.
I expect my efforts to take a few years to make a big impact and that my plans will continue to evolve. Eventually I would like to add some trees including apple (would have to be a dwarf variety), serviceberries, or lilacs. I do not want to add too much shade to the backyard because I also grow vegetables.
I do not get water in the basement but I am considering increasing the grade near the house and a second rain garden location next year.
I would love some feedback, discussion, ideas, evidence that these efforts could be successful?
P.S. I added a photo of my yard at its worst with the heavy rainfall we got in early summer.
by alanthickethighs