Water Problems in Your Landscape and Solutions

Don’t let standing water, seasonal flooding, and poorly drained soils stop you from growing a beautiful landscape.  Try one of these strategies to manage the excess water and create a healthy environment for your landscape plants.

Raise the plants above the water.  Create berms and raised beds so the plant roots are growing above the seasonal standing water. 

Create a traditional French drain in areas subject to flooding.  These gravel filled trenches capture excess water and hold it below the soil surface so it can gradually seep into the ground below.

Or create a rain garden.  They’re designed to capture runoff from roofs and hard surfaces that occurs after a rainstorm or water that naturally collects in low spots in the yard. They direct rainwater into the ground instead of the storm sewers.

And always call 811 before digging in.  This free utility locating service can save you money and even your life.

For areas with damp soil be sure to select plants tolerant of moist or wet soils.  These include plants such as dogwoods, chokeberry, elderberry, swamp milkweed, turtlehead, Ligularia, marsh marigold, Japanese and Siberian iris, sedges, and rushes.  Make sure the plants are hardy to this area and tolerate the light and other growing conditions in that part of your landscape.  For more ideas, visit my web site, www.melindamyers.com

Or, stop by and see me this Saturday, May 4 or on Saturday, June 1 for these free seminars I'll be doing at the following Stein Gardens & Gifts locations.

Sat., May 4, 2013

“Garden Revitalization” Seminar - No matter how your garden fared through the challenges of the 2012 season, now is a great time to plan new additions, replacements, and strategize for increasing the seasonal beauty and enjoyment of your garden and landscape.   Join me for creative ideas and strategies for beautifying your landscape this growing season! I’ll also be available to answer all of your gardening questions.

(11 a.m. - 1 p.m.) Stein Gardens and Gifts - 5400 S. 27th Street

(2 - 4 p.m.) Stein Gardens and Gifts - Waukesha, 2220 E. Moreland Blvd.

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Sat., June 1, 2013 

“Late Spring Rejuvenation for your Landscape” Seminar - There's still time to improve the health and beauty of your landscape for now and in the future. I’ll provide late spring planting ideas and low maintenance strategies to revitalize your landscape. I’ll also share tips for preparing your existing landscape for the often stressful season ahead and be available to answer your gardening questions.     

(11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Stein Gardens and Gifts - Mequon, N10850W13 Port Washington Rd.

(2 - 4 p.m.) Stein Gardens and Gifts – Wauwatosa, 12217 W Watertown Plank Rd.  

I hope to see you there.  

Happy gardening!  

Melinda