Rain Garden Illustrations

Rain Garden in a Neighborhood Setting

- Adapted from illustration by Doug Adamson.

Location.
Rain gardens are often located at the end of a roof gutter or drain spout, as a buffer between the lawn and the street.

Plant Choices.
Choose native plants based on need for light, moisture, and soil. Vary plant structure, height, and flower color for seasonal appeal and butterfly habitat.

Size.
A rain garden is typically 5 to 10 percent the size of the impervious surface that generates runoff.

Depth.
A typical rain garden is between four and eight inches deep. This depth, proportionate to surface area, helps assure water will infiltrate quickly and not pond.

Soil Amendments.
A good soil mix for rain gardens is 60 percent sand, 15 percent topsoil, and 25 percent compost.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater “harvesting” can also be accomplished with the aid of rain barrels, above- or below-ground cisterns, or tanks to store excess rainwater until needed. This can be especially useful in areas where groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation, or where space for a rain garden is limited.

Rain barrel (left) and underground cistern (right).

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Last Modified: 05/23/2008