Get Ia Rain Garden Design & Installation Guide 2021-2026

The ideal rain garden location is a flat or gently sloped area and is down slope from a runoff source. Site your garden at least 10 feet away from any structures (unless an impermeable barrier is used) and 5 feet from property lines. and septic systems, near large trees, or next to a creek, stream or other water body.

A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape that collects rain water from a roof, driveway or street and allows it to soak into the ground. Planted with grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens can be a cost effective and beautiful way to reduce runoff from your property.

The best rain garden plants are those that can tolerate wet sites. Many native plants from boggy habitats work well. Use native grasses, sedges, and rushes in at least one-third to one-half of the rain garden. These plants have very deep root systems that help water seep down into the soil.

Rainwater planters take rainwater from the roof because the downpipe discharges directly into the planter. Typically, water soaks into the soil in the planter. During heavy rainfall, excess water will pond in the planter, which can overflow to one of three locations: •

A small rain garden is better than nothing, but you should plan on a garden of at least 150 square feet to provide enough room to include an interesting variety of plants. Choose a natural, rounded shape for your rain garden, like an oval, teardrop, or kidney shape.

DISADVANTAGES OF RAIN GARDENS If your rain garden is not functioning properly, you may have issues with drainage. Rainwater runoff will accumulate in the basin, which can lead to backups and flooding. An improperly designed basin can also lead to increased erosion rates.

The rain garden should be located in a place that can collect as much impervious area (driveway, roof, sidewalks) runoff as possible. The best areas are generally where water naturally drains but doesn't hold water. It should also be located at least 5'-15' away from your home.