When it rains a lot, we get a wet spot in our yard that take days to dry out. It is only about 5 feet by 5 feet and an inch or so deep, but it is annoying, and grass grows poorly in this spot.

Drainage issues are common and can sometimes be complicated. However, here are several simple solutions that may help fix backyard drainage problems.

• Is the water coming from a clogged downspout, or overflowing gutter?
• Check all house gutter, downspouts, or drainage pipes to make sure they are not clogged.
• Is the downspout connected to the storm sewer or disconnected from the storm sewer and flowing across the lawn? Where does the water from a disconnected downspout go? Is it headed towards the wet area?

Disconnecting downspouts from the sewer system allows roof water to drain to lawns and gardens. It is a more natural way to manage roof runoff because it allows water to soak into the ground as plants and soils filter pollutants. If the downspout has been disconnected in accordance with local community regulations and is flowing towards the wet area, try redirecting it away from this area. Be sure the discharge from the downspout meets criteria identified in Around the House. If these criteria cannot be met you may want to reconsider disconnection.

When redirecting downspout flow consider landscaping with plants that grow well in wet areas. Water-loving plants offer great possibilities for interesting easy-care gardens and help soak up that extra water.

A rain garden is another possibility. A rain garden is used to intercept water before it gets to a low area and pools. It is a possible solution to manage water in a yard. See the Rain Garden Manual for Homeowners for more information on how to install and care for a rain garden.

If you have extremely wet areas on your property, consider using it to make a wet garden. It is important to first determine how large the area is, how deep and how often this area remains wet. Understanding these factors will allow you to design a garden and choose plants that will grow well in these conditions, and will thrive with a minimum amount of labor. Use the same principles for designing your wet garden that are outlined in Landscaping for Less: Using Native Plants, including

• Plan a landscape design The best way to ensure you get a wet garden that fits into the landscaping is to draw a plant plan. Do a 15 second sketch of your yard, birds eye view is easiest. This is a sketch of the yard as if you were looking down on it from a tree. Estimate relative dimensions, rather than measuring. For example, the backyard might be twice as deep as it is wide. Add in the house, existing gardens, trees, and bushes.
• Grouping plants together with similar light and water requirements. The center of your garden may have more standing water then the edges, and may be wet for up to 48 hours. Select plants that can handle these varying water depths and conditions. If the garden is shaded by existing trees, you can plant shade loving shrubs and plants such as sweet pepperbush, ferns, and wildflowers. If you are planting in a sunny area, a wet meadow full of colorful prairie wildflowers and grasses is an appropriate choice.
  (See the resources of water loving shade/sun tolerant plants at the bottom of the page, and check out this site: Native Plant List for Ohio and Indiana
• Establish a clearly defined garden edge
• Select plants based on the how tall you want your garden to grow

These guidelines will help you design and choose water-loving plants that fit your conditions. Use the following reference of water loving plants and the expertise of your local nursery to select plants for your wet garden. You can even construct raised paths or boardwalks through the garden so that you can enjoy the garden from a drier viewpoint.

Caring for wet garden plants is similar to caring for any type of garden plants. Do not plant different species in close proximity, as they tend to grow quickly and will compete with one another for the limited amount of ground space. Choose plants appropriate for either sun or shade depending on the location.

Plants in wetlands should be pruned regularly. Any leaves, blooms, or other foliage that yellows and dies should be pinched off. This will help the plants to make the most efficient use of the available nutrients and also encourage new growth.

Identifying the proper water depth is also very important when it comes to growing plants for a wet garden. Some varieties will require very shallow water and, others deeper water. The garden can be divided into three wetness zones: In the lowest zone, plant species that can tolerate short periods of standing water as well as fluctuating water levels, because the garden may dry out during droughts or at times of the year when precipitation is sparse. Species that can tolerate extremes of wet soils and dry periods are also appropriate for the middle zone, which is slightly drier. Plant as many species as you can, trying to include plants that will flower in the spring, summer, and fall. This will enhance your garden and make it enjoyable throughout the change of seasons. See the resources of water loving shade/sun tolerant plants at the bottom of this page.

A more involved solution to altering a site with poor drainage possibly will require some professional help. Get it touch with your local soil and water conservation district, watershed group, or community engineer! More intensive solutions may include improving drainage through the installation of drain tile or reconditioning soil. It is important to consult a professional to identify the best solution for the property.

Support for this section provided by Lake Erie Protection Fund and Chagrin River Watershed Partners.