Maple Tree · Gardenality Genius · Zone 10A · 30° to 35° F
Hi Terry-This is a good and interesting question. As my location normally gets very little rain I was interested in researching the benefits and procedures in developing a rain garden that may help others in areas that get rains such as you have had this year. Rain gardens can not only be fun to build but are very beneficial in many ways. If you could answer a few questions it would help in giving you some plant choices to look at. A well designed water garden should drain completely within 12 hours or so. Even though many plants will tolerate very moist soils very few will survive long periods of pooling water. If the area drains too slowly soil ammendments may be added for better drainage or a way to devert a portion of the water away from this area may be necessary. Soils saturated for too long a time can cause root rot, crown rot, fungal disease, and other problems associated with roots not being able to breath or take in needed nutrients. Is the area to be planted in full direct sunlight, partial sun, shade, filtered shade and how many hours and time of day will they get sun or some shade? Do you know the type of soil you will be planting in (clay, loam, sand, silt)? How large an area is the planned area for the water garden? Is the area sloped where plants will help with erosion of the soil? Do you have any height or width requirements for the plants? Does this area stay moist year round possibly getting runoff from other areas in the landscape or does the soil dry in the warmer months where plants would need watering during these times?
After answering these questions I can give you some plants to consider that should do well In your hardiness zone 7b. Possibly other members acquainted with your location can also help with plant ideas and their availability in your area knowing more about the area they will be planted in.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F
Hi Terry - I'm in McDonough, GA and have a bog garden on my property. I'll also provide some plant suggestions when you've provided the answers to John's questions.

Travon Daskindozer · Gardenality Seed · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F
The area that I want to create the rain garden in is approximately 45 feet by 20 feet. It receives sun until about 1:00 and filtered shade after that. The soil is primarily clay but I do I plan to do till in some organic matter before planting. I hope that this will improve the drainage from two days to around the 12 hour mark that you indicated. The area stays somewhat moist year round but holds water after we receive a heavy rain.

The area is sloped. It is the back corner of my property where most of the water rushes to. During the summer months it does dry out some but I do not mind giving it water as necessary to get it through the hot summers here.

Concerning height and width, I don't really have any preference except that I would prefer to stay under 8 feet in height. I would love to plant a tree in the center of the garden but I have been unsuccessful in my search for one that will work.

Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide and thanks for any suggestions that you can come up with.)