Show All Answers

1. Will a rain garden breed mosquitoes in my yard?

No. The reproductive cycle of the mosquito requires that the eggs be submerged in standing water for 3 to 5 full days. A rain garden, however, is designed to drain within 24 - 48 hours of a rain event. This means that the water will soak in well before mosquitoes can hatch. In fact, rain garden flower species may actually reduce mosquito populations by attracting the birds and dragonflies that feed on them.

2. Do rain gardens attract ticks?

Ticks prefer environments that are wet and shady. Most rain gardens, however, are located in the sun and will remain dry except for the 24 - 48 hours following a rain event. Wood chip barriers are also thought to keep ticks at bay, so it may help to place such barriers between the frequently used parts of your yard and the areas where ticks tend to nest (woods, tall grass, etc.).

3. Can I buy a wildflower seed mix instead of individual native plant seedlings?

It is not suggested. Wildflower seed mixes may contain native species, but they often contain non-native and potentially invasive species as well. It is best to buy local, native plants, but if you do buy a mix, be sure it is labeled with the specific species it contains so you can check them against a native species list.

Also, most rain gardens are planted with seedlings rather than seeds because seedlings provide immediately beautiful results and are typically more successful. To grow a rain garden from seed requires more time and effort, and the seeds are not guaranteed to germinate.

Also, if the seeds do germinate, it is difficult to distinguish the desirable native plant sprouts from the weeds. This makes garden maintenance an almost impossible task.

4. How can I keep deer away from my garden?

A way to deter the deer is to cover plants with bird netting. A 4-6 foot galvanized wire mesh fence can also be used, attached to wooden stakes or fence posts surrounding newly planted shrubs.

There are no real deer repellent plants, but a rain garden can be interspersed with plants that deer tend to avoid. The deer population in Wisconsin is continuing to grow, but the resource base from which they feed is not. Deer are therefore becoming less selective, and browsing a larger range of plant species. However, they tend to avoid plants that have aromatic foliage, tough/leathery or hairy/prickly leaves, or milky latex/sap.

For more information regarding plants unatractive to deer as well as deer repellent, visit the Deer Tips page.

5. How can I be sure that I am purchasing / planting a native species, and not a look-alike?

There are a number of native plants that have non-native and potentially invasive look-alikes. Many of these non-native species are sold for landscaping uses at nurseries and other plant retailers. When purchasing plants, use their scientific names to assure that you are getting the local, native varieties.

For detailed information, please view the list of native and non native look alikes.