After three days of steady rain recently, my rain gauge read a total of six inches. Six inches of water is all that it can hold, making me wonder what the true amount of rainfall really was.

Several times during that rainy period, I went outdoors to assess the runoff flow of the water and the drainage in our landscape.

I found a couple of places where leaves and pine straw were clogging the natural drainage paths.

My newly planted containers of lavender and rosemary had standing water on top of the soil surface. I also realized that my butterfly garden wasn&8217;t quite as well-drained as I thought it was.

On the other hand, the azaleas, camellias, spiraeas and the Virginia willow that I recently planted looked as if the rain was helping them adapt to their new environment.

Overall, our landscape has more than adequate drainage due to its sloping nature and soil with abundant sand content.

During dry periods, I wish for a native soil with more water holding power.

Obviously, the best way to see how your property is draining is to check it when it&8217;s raining. If you are planning to build a home or even add a deck to your existing house, drainage is one of the first considerations when developing a plan for the site. Addressing your landscape design with special attention to drainage issues is just as important. Paths and walkways are hardly inviting if an inch or two of water accumulates on top of them after a rain.

During and after rain, checking your landscape for low-lying areas where water remains for an extended period can help you to determine how to address the situation best.

Until you actually walk around in the rain, you really cannot assess the immediate affect it has your property. This will also give you an opportunity to see how well the drainage on the land surrounding your property works with yours. While you&8217;re at it, take note of any sprinklers that are whirling water during a rainfall so that you can turn them off for the time being.

Thunderstorms with lightning are, of course, not the time to check the flow of water in your landscape. However, a walk during a slow steady rain can be a fun and interesting event. Make sure you have a big umbrella and a comfortable pair of &8220;rain boots&8221; for the occasion. Prepare to enjoy sloshing in the puddles while you learn more about what works and what doesn&8217;t in your landscape. Chances are you won&8217;t melt.

TRaci maier

writes a weekly column about gardening in the Miss-Lou.