What is a Rain Garden?
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}
Why a Rain Garden?
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}
Can I Build a Rain Garden?
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are interested in installing a rain garden:
- Do I have the space in my yard to install a rain garden? A typical residential rain garden is 50 to 100 square feet, depending on the size of the area draining to it.
- If I live in an urban area, are there underground utilities that would prevent me from installing a rain garden?
- If I live in an urban area, does my municipality require a permit to install a rain garden?
- Am I physically able to install the garden, or do I have help? Even small gardens involve moving fairly large quantities of soil.
- Large gardens may require the use of heavy equipment. Can I afford to pay for this?
- Plant costs can be around $1-2 per square foot. Can I afford to pay for this?
Environmental Benefits
- Reduce the amount of pollutants that wash into lakes, streams, ponds and wetlands.
- Help sustain adequate stream flow during dry spells through infiltration and recharge.
- Enhance the beauty of your yard and the neighborhood.
- Help protect communities from flooding and drainage problems.
- Reduce the need for costly municipal storm water treatment structures.
Adapted from University of Wisconsin Extension, Rain Gardens: A How-to Manual for Homeowners.
They are Easy to Create
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.
They are Attractive
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!
You Can Make A Difference!
