Rain Gardens

What is a Rain Garden?

Rain gardens are shallow landscape areas designed to capture, filter and absorb stormwater runoff from surfaces like roofs, driveways, lawns and sump pump discharge. They are generally constructed on the downside slope of a property and collect rainwater and runoff. A rain garden does not create standing pools of water but are a place for water to infiltrate into the ground (generally within 24-48 hours of a rain event).

What makes up a rain garden?

Rain gardens are made up of the following components:

• Shallow depression: A sunken area, usually 4-8 inches deep
• Soil mixture: Composed of sand, compost and/or topsoil to promote rapid filtration
• Mulch layer: Thick layer (approx.10 cm) of shredded, non-floating mulch to protect soil, reduce erosion, and retain moisture
• Native Plants: Deep-rooted, hardy native grasses, shrubs, and perennials which help with filtration and water absorption

Where should a rain garden be located?

A rain garden should be ideally located in an area that:

• Is at least 10 feet away from the house
• Is not over any utilities
• Is not over or near a septic tank
• Does not interfere with any trees or plants that cannot handle wet soil conditions for lengthy periods of time

What are the benefits of a rain garden?

A rain garden is a simple and effective way of reducing the amount of stormwater runoff from your property while providing other benefits. They are also aesthetically pleasing with low maintenance requirements.

A rain garden can also reduce the amount of water that enters the local storm sewer network and attract birds, butterflies, pollinators and other beneficial insects, such as mosquito-consuming dragonflies.