Preparing For Winter

As the days get shorter and cool weather arrives, it's time to prepare your rain garden for winter.

Cut back plants:  Cut back the stalks that are broken or slumping over so the garden will look more tidy.  You may want to leave the majority of the stalks and seed heads standing.  They will provide food and habitat for the birds during the winter.  Also, the plant stalks can provide a beautiful backdrop in a snowy landscape.

Divide plants:  Plants that have gotten very large or thick may be divided in the fall or the spring.  Click here for photos and step-by-step instructions for dividing plants.

Collect seeds:  One way to control the seeding of aggressive plants in the rain garden is by collecting seeds this fall.  Cut the seed heads from plants such as Black-Eyed Susan, Purple Cone-flower or others.  Put the seed heads in paper bags, date and label them and store them in a cool, dry place.  In the spring you can plant the seeds in other parts of your garden or share the seeds with friends.

Add mulch:  Fall is the time to add some double-shredded hardwood mulch to the rain garden to help protect plants through the winter.  By insulating the garden with mulch or leaves you can help it continue to absorb water and snow melt into the coldest part of the winter.

More information about maintaining your rain garden can be found in Fort Wayne's Rain Garden Maintenance Brochure.