Stormwater (that is, rain or snow melt that is on the ground) is a common problem for residential properties in northern New Jersey and around the country. Sometimes the problem is because of the soil or other factors like topography and surrounding hardscaping cause it. Regardless of outside factors, it needs to be addressed. Plus the changes in weather patterns are making them worse.
About two years ago, we completed a big renovation for homeowners in Maplewood, NJ. We literally reinvented their backyard into a palace of native flowers and grasses. The emphasis was on four-season gardening, contemporary design and a love of nature. Everything was great and then after a year of so, two spots started to have rainwater collect. The areas would stay wet for several days and were starting to get really muddy.
We had installed a French drain during the original project to make sure the garden beds could stay relatively dry throughout the year, but the two problem spots were separate from where the drain ran. So, I set out to create an idea for solving the water issue that could also make the backyard even more desirable.
Below is a short video of the installation of the drainage.