A rain garden is a depression (about 6 inches deep) that collects stormwater runoff from a roof, driveway or yard and allows it to infiltrate into the ground. Rain gardens are typically planted with shrubs and perennials (natives are ideal), and can be colorful, landscaped areas in your yard. {learn more}
Every time it rains, water runs off impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, roads and parking lots, collecting pollutants along the way. This runoff has been cited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a major source of pollution to our nation's waterways. By building a rain garden at your home, you can reduce the amount of pollutants that leave your yard and enter nearby lakes, streams and ponds. {read more}
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are interested in installing a rain garden:
Adapted from University of Wisconsin Extension, Rain Gardens: A How-to Manual for Homeowners.
Smaller gardens can be dug by hand with a shovel, or equipment can be rented for larger gardens. Most gardens for average sized homes can be dug by hand if you are in good health, or have some extra help. Once the shallow depression is dug for the rain garden, it won't take any more time or expense than planting other landscaped areas in your yard.
Build your rain garden to your tastes. While native shrubs and perennials are preferred, you can use other plants (see Plants). This is your garden, you need to like it!