Now that you know where the garden goes, what happens when we actually build it? Construction is the most important part of this process, but starting without any idea of the end result is not a good idea. Last week, we visited the rain garden in Freehold, New Jersey.  The garden consisted of some native plants and other decorative items, and was in the shape of a lima bean. Since it had just been built, the garden was not specifically in bloom, and was mostly dirt. It did, however, contain puddles from the previous day’s rain, and we could see the puddles going draining as into the soil.

                Building the garden can be tricky, but with plenty of planning it is possible. First, is important that know that where you are digging is not near any major utility lines, so it is important to call your local utility company before digging. Also, it is important to know that the soil into which you dig is able to absorb water. To do so, a small hole, about six inches deep, should be dug into the soil. Then water should be placed into the hole. If the water drains within a few hours, the soil is ready; if not, the problem must be identified or a new spot should be chosen.  When construction actually begins, one thing is crucial- volunteers. Without volunteers, the garden is simply an unexplored idea that cannot be put into practice. Each volunteer can be provided the equipment they need, and can be actively involved in the garden building process.

                During construction, precautions should be taken to reduce the amount of soil loss. This can include fences and other materials. When building, it is important to be precise about all of your measurements. Make sure each calculation is revised and checked before digging. This is because one small miscalculation can ruin the entire garden. While building, it is also important to not disturb too much of the land around the garden; although the garden is intended to help the environment, destroying the area around it can reverse the effects.  Another thing that should be taken into consideration is the type of plants and soil used in your garden. Each plant may require a different amount of water and sunlight in order to properly grow, and these needs should be reflected in your garden. After construction, place down about 2-3 inches of mulch. This will allow for conservation of water for the plants, as well as preventing frost from hurting the plants in winter.

Obviously, this is what is supposed to happen... but who knows when we actually start building? Come check out the next blog, and see if everything works out greatl... I mean, what could go wrong?