Hi all, we have a very steep rockery in our garden adjacent to our lawn. When it rains we have a lot of runoff water collecting on the lawn. So we are thinking of installing a drainage channel. (this one). Or is it possible to overcome the issue by planting more plants preventing runoff? Many thanks Erwin
No, you have to collect and drain away unwanted water. There needs to be an acceptable place to drain it into.
I think I'd talk to a local landscape contractor, or a knowledgable neighbour/friend/family member on-site before doing anything. If one hasn't dealt with these issues before they can appear serious & mysterious, but are often simple to remedy with some experience. You may be able to: - merely improve the drainage of the lawn where the runoff now collects - put in a rockpit where the water now collects & grow lawn over the top. - slope the ground to an area which is more permeable - put in a run of perforated pipe, some drain rock & landscape cloth to collect & take water to a rock pit/sump or seasonal water feature. Often the solution does not have to be expensive, complicated or involve some special system or equipment. Just inexpensive material from the local landscape supplier & Home Depot/Rona. As Ron alludes to - don't plan on running the water into the storm drain/perimeter drain on your house or directing surface water off your property in general without very experienced advice or consulting the City. The good news is that once you have a workable scheme, you get to play around the dirt & get some healthy exercise in the outdoors at no cost, & without having to drive anywhere. My wife makes approving noises & brings me cups of tea when I do this kind of thing - bonus!
If I were fortunate enough to have that "problem" I'd create a bog garden. http://liisainvermont.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/north-hill-6.jpg http://mdleader.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/bog-pond.jpg
