Rain Gardens: Harnessing Plants to improve Brevard County’s Water Quality

by Denise Crawley

Heavy rains in Brevard County collect pollutants from roads, driveways, and lawns which then get carried into our local waterways, including the beloved Indian River Lagoon and our drinking water supply. Together, we can protect and improve the health of Brevard County by utilizing plants to filter this runoff before it reaches our waterways.

In this blog, we’ll explore how we can strategically plant rain gardens in our yards to create natural ecosystems that enhance landscapes, improve water quality, and safeguard our local waterways.

Understanding Rain Gardens: Harnessing Nature’s Filter

Gardens serve as natural sponges that soak up excess rainfall and purify the water as it percolates through soil and vegetation – before it reaches our aquifers and waterways. Planting in the lower parts of yards where water naturally collects during rain events is an effective way to kickstart this process.

These low-lying areas offer prime opportunities to capture and manage stormwater runoff and by strategically planting in these locations, you can create mini ecosystems that not only beautify your yard but also play a crucial role in improving water quality and protecting local waterways.

Let’s explore how you can identify these optimal spots and transform them into vibrant rain gardens.

Creating Your Rain Garden: Design and Implementation

Begin by locating the lowest spot in your yard where water naturally collects during rain events.

This area offers prime opportunities to capture and manage stormwater runoff effectively. Then, assess the site to determine what types of plants you should plant in the area.

1. Close to Structures: If your rain garden is located near structures such as your house or garage, you’ll want to choose low-maintenance species with shallow roots like smaller shrubs, grasses, or flowering perennials to avoid potential damage to foundations or underground utilities.
2. High Foot Traffic Area: If your rain garden is in a spot where people frequently walk, select plants with sturdy foliage, ground covers or ornamental grasses that can withstand being stepped on without damage.
3. Reducing Lawn Area: If you’re looking to reduce your lawn area and create an eco-friendlier landscape, consider designing a larger rain garden to replace traditional turf grass to minimize the need for mowing and chemical inputs.

Selecting the Perfect Plants

Once you’ve assessed the site and determined your goals, it’s time to select the right water loving plants for your rain garden.

Consider factors such as sun exposure and mature size then opt for a diverse mix of species with varying heights, textures, and bloom times to create visual interest and support local biodiversity.

By Sun Exposure:

Full Sun Plants: Best for areas receiving direct sunlight most of the day.

• Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) – A native grass known for its beautiful pinkish plumes in the fall. While it can grow in moist to wet conditions, it doesn’t necessarily thrive in consistently wet soil. Native, 2-4 feet tall. Learn more.
• Scarlet Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) – Offering striking red flowers, the Scarlet Hibiscus is a real showstopper that likes wet feet and full sun. It can grow tall, making it a focal point of any rain garden. Native, 4-8 feet tall, red flowers bloom in summer. Learn more.
• Iris (Iris virginica) – The Blue Flag Iris is native to Florida and performs well in wet conditions and full sun. It produces beautiful blue flowers and is robust enough to handle fluctuating water levels. Native, 2-4 feet tall. Learn more.
• Canna spp. (Canna Lily) – Known for their large, colorful flowers and broad, tropical leaves, these plants thrive in full sun and wet conditions. They are excellent for adding vibrant color and a lush, tropical look to any garden. 2-6 feet tall. Learn more.

Shade Plants: Ideal for locations with lots of shade throughout the day.

• Dwarf Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Nana’) – A versatile, evergreen shrub with dense foliage, suitable for part shade. Its adaptability to wet conditions makes it a reliable choice for garden texture and structure. 3-5 feet tall, evergreen foliage. Learn more.
• Viburnum species (Viburnum spp.) – With a variety that includes both evergreen and deciduous types, Viburnums are celebrated for their fragrant flowers and attractive berries. They are amenable to part shade and moist soils, enhancing gardens with multi-seasonal interest. 3-15 feet tall, some species are native to North America. Learn more.

• Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) – Robust and hardy, this plant earns its name by thriving in low light and requiring minimal care. It’s an excellent understory plant, bringing a deep green elegance to shaded garden areas. 1-2 feet tall, dark green leaves provide year-round interest. Learn more.
• American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – This native shrub is valued for its clusters of jewel-toned purple berries in the fall. Preferring part shade and moist soil, it’s a wildlife-friendly addition to any garden. Florida Native, 3-8 feet tall, vibrant purple berries in fall. Learn more.
• Ferns (Various species) – Ferns are the quintessential shade garden plant, with many species thriving in dappled light and moist soil. They offer lush greenery and a prehistoric ambiance to shaded nooks. Typically 1-4 feet tall, some species are native to North America.

By Location and Size:

Near Structures, Small-Scale: Plants with shallow roots perfect for smaller gardens close to homes or paths.

• Azalea – Azaleas are popular flowering shrubs that can thrive near structures, especially in shaded or partially shaded areas. They have relatively shallow roots and can tolerate moist soil conditions. 2-6 feet tall, spring blooming. Learn more.
• Jasmine – Jasmine is a fragrant vine or shrub that can be trained to grow near structures such as trellises or fences. It has shallow roots and prefers moist, well-draining soil. 6-10 feet tall, fragrant flowers in spring and summer. Learn more.
• Sea Grape (Shrub Form) (Coccoloba uvifera) – Sea Grape is a coastal shrub that can tolerate salt spray and moist soil conditions. Its shallow roots and compact growth habit make it suitable for planting near structures in gardens near the coast. Florida Native, 25 feet tall, edible fruits in late summer and fall. Learn more.

Away from Structures, Large Open Areas: Larger, deeper-rooted plants that thrive in spacious, open sections of your yard.

• Podocarpus maki (Podocarpus) – Podocarpus is a large evergreen shrub or tree with deep roots. It is best planted away from structures to prevent potential interference with foundations or utilities. 15-25 feet tall. Learn more.
• Duranta Gold Mound (Duranta erecta) – Duranta Gold Mound is a sprawling shrub with golden-yellow leaves that provide color throughout the year. They have a tendency to develop deep roots and it’s advisable to plant it in open spaces where its roots can spread freely. 2-4 feet tall. Learn more.
• Viburnum Suspensum – Viburnum Suspensum is a dense, evergreen shrub with a spreading habit and deep root system. Planting it away from structures ensures that its roots have ample space to grow without causing damage. 6-12 feet tall, white flowers bloom in spring, followed by red berries that attract birds. Learn more.
• Croton – Croton plants can grow into large shrubs with deep roots. While they add vibrant foliage to the landscape, it’s recommended to plant them away from structures to prevent root-related issues. 3-8 feet tall, colorful foliage year-round. Learn more.
• Dracaena Song of India (Dracaena reflexa) – Dracaena Song of India is a tropical shrub with an upright growth habit and deep roots. To avoid potential damage to nearby structures, plant it in open areas where its roots can spread without restriction. 4-6 feet tall, green and yellow foliage provide year-round appeal. Learn more.

Edibles!

Edibles for areas with full sun:

• Banana (Musa spp.) – Banana plants are super-fast growers with large leaves that excel in filtering contaminants. They can be planted year-round and typically require regular watering during hotter months. Bananas are usually ready to harvest 9-12 months after planting and in our warm climate, banana plants can produce fruit nearly all year long. 10-25 feet tall. Learn more.
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) – Fast-growing Elderberry plants grow best full sun, but also tolerate shade – you’ll just get less fruit production. They have relatively non-invasive root system and should be planted 10 feet + away from your home. The edible berries are ready to harvest in late summer to early fall and must be cooked before eating. 6-12 feet tall.
• Papaya (Carica papaya) – Papayas are fast-growing tropical trees that thrive in full sun and well-drained moist soil, making them suitable for areas with consistently damp soil conditions. They produce fruit year-round in our tropical -like climate, within 1 year of planting. 10-30 feet tall. Learn more.
• Fig (Ficus carica) – Figs are resilient fruit trees that thrive in full sun and areas with consistently moist conditions. These trees have a moderate growth rate and can start producing fruit within 1-2 years of planting in late summer/ early fall. Plant 10-15 feet away from structures. 10-30 feet tall. Learn more.

Edibles for shady areas:

• Avocado (Persea americana) – Avocado trees prefer partial shade, especially when young, to protect them from harsh sunlight. They thrive in well-drained soil and require regular watering. Plant avocado trees 15 – 20 feet away from homes, driveways, and sidewalks. 30-40 feet tall. Learn more.
• Citrus (Citrus spp.) – While citrus trees typically prefer full sun, they can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates where some protection from intense sunlight can be beneficial. These water-loving trees thrive in well-drained yet consistently moist soil. 15-30 feet tall. Learn more.
  • Oranges: Harvest season typically starts in late fall and extends through winter into early spring, depending on the variety.
  • Lemons: Lemons can be harvested year-round, but their peak season is usually in winter and early spring.
  • Limes: Limes are harvested primarily in the warmer months, with peak season often in summer.
  • Grapefruits: Similar to oranges, grapefruits are typically harvested in late fall through winter.
• Guava (Psidium guajava) – Guava trees can be grown as small trees or large shrubs and tolerate partial shade. Their shallow and non-invasive root systems, making them suitable for planting near at least 5 to 10 feet from structures. They produce delicious fruits that are rich in flavor and nutrients and are ready to harvest in late summer/early fall. 10-20 feet tall. Learn more.

Special Considerations:

Native Plants: Emphasizing plants native to the area to enhance ecological health and sustainability.

Pollinator-Friendly Plants: Selections that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Seasonal Interest Plants: Varieties that provide visual interest and ecological benefits throughout different seasons.

By embracing the power of rain gardens, we can collectively contribute to the protection and revival of our beloved waterways and our drinking water. Every plant you plant, no matter its size, serves as a vital step towards a cleaner, healthier environment for Brevard County and its residents.

Rockledge Gardens is dedicated to empowering our community with the knowledge and resources needed to create these natural water-filtering systems. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process, from site assessment to plant selection, ensuring that your rain garden thrives and effectively captures and purifies stormwater runoff. Together, we can make a difference.