October 2024
More than 3,000 herbaceous plants are being planted in the new rain gardens as part of the refurbishment of Queens Gardens.
The rain gardens also known as a sustainable drainage system (SuDS), are designed in a way to collect, store and slow down the movement of water running off hard surfaces such as areas of paving, following a heavy downpour.
Rain gardens are planted with a wide range of plants that can withstand short periods of waterlogging and drought. The more drought-tolerant plants are used towards the edges and higher sections of ground where waterlogging at any point is least likely.
The beds are shaped to collect water in depressions and drain off slowly, so they do not to overwhelm sewer systems during very heavy rainfall.
The plants in these areas are tolerant to high levels of rainfall for short times and are happy in this environment. Most species within these areas also offer ecological value for birds and pollinators/ insects. Once established their strong root systems will ensure the soil is stable during heavy periods of rainfall, so that the soil is not washed away.
The plants vary in species to provide colour and are being planted now so they will set and then flower again in the spring.
Herbaceous plants work well at a low-medium height and survive a range of moisture conditions.
Landscape Architects, Southern Green developed the plans for the 36 different species to show where they should be planted.
The Landscape Architect then visited the nursery near York to select the actual plants.
The plans are then used to mark out on the ground where the plants will be planted.
Once the markings in place, the range of plants were checked for damage and then placed in position and checked against the plans.
Then when all the plants are in the right location, they are planted using a machine called an auger.
