If you are a residential or commercial property owner with virtually any amount of greenspace, you can, and should, plant a rain garden.

Given that up to 70% of pollution in streams, rivers, and lakes comes from stormwater runoff, any size rain garden will help to improve water quality and aquatic habitat. Additionally, increased groundwater recharge relieves strain on water treatment facilities while preserving the natural hydrology of the landscape.

Rain gardens are depressed or “bowl-shaped” landscaped areas that function as miniature wetlands. Typically planted with wildflowers and other native vegetation, a rain garden provides a place for stormwater to infiltrate, allowing approximately 30% more water to soak into the ground. Following a heavy rain, stormwater will pond in the rain garden and be filtered by the plants and soil rather than running off into the nearest storm drain. As up to 70% of pollution in streams, rivers and lakes comes from stormwater runoff, a rain garden is a Low Impact Development technique of inestimable value in improving water quality by increasing absorption of runoff near its source.

Including one or more rain gardens when developing a new site can have significant economic benefits. In comparison to the many benefits of rain gardens, the costs are almost negligible. It is much more cost effective, not to mention environmentally sound, to build and plant rain gardens than it is to address stormwater management through conventional means which entail high material, labor and environmental costs associated with impervious surfaces, storm drain piping and large stormwater ponds. Finally, a rain garden can serve as an aesthetically pleasing space that fosters a welcoming habitat for both wildlife and human communities. Learn More >>