Friends of the Scioto River Home

History The area between the shelterhouse on Wicklow Drive and a gravel parking lot had frequent problems with minor flooding in wet weather. In some places the ground was too wet for grass to grow, and in other areas, the tires of lawn mowers tore through the thin turf. In 2008, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department planned to enlarge and pave the lot, and add a new drive. Plans called for the pavement to simply "sheet drain" to the already-wet areas. FOSR suggested this site for a rain garden project, to capture the runoff. This would be the first rain garden in a Columbus city park anywhere on the West Side.

Advance preparation In 2008, FOSR approached the contractor coordinating the construction of the Cardinal Health expansion in Dublin, asking permission to take some limestone that had been excavated. This is the same stone as found in the Scioto and its tributaries. Along with members of the Friends of Westgate Park, we were allowed onsite to gather stone, and the workers helped us by loaning the assistance of a forklift. We stored the stone at the shelterhouse until the construction of the garden began.

Construction begins In 2009, the garden development began as the new lot was built. The size and shape of the garden were determined by the area to be drained, the rate of absorbtion in the soil, and the available space within the lot plans. The pavement contractor dug the basin for the garden, and backfilled the bottom with gravel. The contractor also ran a drain pipe from a nearby ballfield, which also had flooding problems, to the bottom of the garden basin. The plan was to direct all runoff to this basin.

FOSR purchased enough topsoil and organic material to fill the garden basin to the correct height. This was graded out and allowed to settle in preparation for planting. With the help of various volunteers, we set the stone around the perimeter of the garden basin. This defined the edges of the garden. Meanwhile, FOSR purchased the first, smaller garden plants from Wild Birds Unlimited. We selected plants that are native to central Ohio, and tolerant of both wet and dry conditions. We bought several of each type, and we decided to plant them in various places in the garden, to see where they would best enjoy the light and moisture. We also wanted to have a natural, distributed look to the plantings, as opposed to the "massing" technique used in some garden designs.

Planting begins In June of 2009 we put in the first round of plants. We had to water them by hand while we waited for the first rain! Until we actually saw the behavior of the runoff water, we would not know whether our calculations were correct. We were advised by the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, and by Columbus Recreation and Parks, that these rain garden plantings start small, and until they grow in, they will look sparse, and require care.

With funding from the Friends of Westgate Park, we obtained the second round of plants, a selection of locally native flowers, grasses, and shrubs. As it turned out, a set of post-hole diggers was more useful than a shovel. Since the soil was still not completely settled and compacted, we could easily cut straight-sided holes, like digging in a big soft cookie.

With the second planting in place, it was time to water everything. We obtained permission from CRPD to connect a hose to the nearby shelterhouse. For extra entertainment value, add a dog that likes to play with water. The contractor had graded the areas around the garden and lot, and they were awaiting grass seed.

The weather was typically dry, and we waited for signs that the basin would catch runoff. We got hints from some light rains, when lot runoff made some small gullies into the basin, and washed bits of mulch around. The contractor had put down grass seed and straw, which we found washed up on the other side of the basin. This is an example of how you can't really know how everything will work out, until you actually get water. It is a trait of "green design" that you can make adjustments. In this case we need to adjust the garden design to incorporate these spots as major inlets.

Finally, in a July downpour, proof of success! Although the conditions are not the best for photography. The basin is lower at the near end and higher at the far end, providing a variety of degrees of wetness. Going forward, we can adjust the plant locations to match the plants to their most favored wetness conditions. Meanwhile we wait and watch.

You can't really know how it will work, until you go out in the rain and actually observe the water. The loop road had a big puddle, caused partly by truck tire damage to the grading. A simple little channel, scratched into the mud with a stone, allows the puddle to drain into the garden.

With one more stone-hauling trip, the circle is completed. The City dropped off a truckload of mulch, and there was more left over for other gardens in the park. Now we're done. Really. Well, maybe some more sea oats along the edge...

By late summer, the grass is established and the garden is in bloom. The plants thrive in the dappled mix of sun and shade.

The garden's flowers are a magnet for pollenators. Native plants and insects evolved together, so they are mutually beneficial. Meanwhile the insects become a food source as well; we spotted at least one praying mantis prowling the garden.

We continue to develop the rain garden. Come back to watch our progress!

This garden is part of the Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative, or CORGI, which is a cooperative effort among several local agencies and watershed groups. We encourage residents and property managers to consider implementing rain gardens and other stormwater management practices, to reduce urban flooding problems and conserve water.

Partners and vendors in this project