Rain Gardens
Adapted from illustration by Doug Adamson
Rain Garden Info
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What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a shallow depression (typically 6-8 inches deep) in your yard that is planted with native wildflowers and grasses. This popular type of perennial garden is strategically located to capture runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, and patios. The garden holds water allowing it to infiltrate into the ground, then dries up in 24-48 hours. You can think of a rain garden as a bowl shaped native landscape bed. Why install a rain garden? Rain gardens are not just landscape features-- they absorb water and pollutants, reduce runoff, protect water quality, and prevent flooding. A rain garden on your property helps prevent stormwater pollution. Rain gardens absorb hundreds of gallons of rainwater that would otherwise wash pollutants from your lawn and roof down the street into the nearest pond, river, stream or lake. Even small rain gardens can absorb a lot of rain water! |
Rain gardens capture and hold rainwater temporarily, allowing it to infiltrate back into the ground instead of running off into storm drains.
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Rain Gardens for Homeowners Booklet
Click the zoom button (magnifying glass with+) or full page icon (empty box) to enlarge the booklet.
Print copies of this booklet are available at the SWCD office.
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Helpful Resources and links:
BYC Rain Garden Info Sheet (PDF) Clear Choices, Clean Water Rain Gardens (Planting plans, info, etc.) The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens: Design and Installation for Homeowners in the Upper Midwest Book (online) *Free check out from our lending library Blue Thumb Web Page (videos, etc.) Blue Thumb Rain Garden Interactive Plant Finder City of Indianapolis Rain Garden Info (tips, planting plans, suppliers, contractors, etc.) Residential Rain Garden Maintenance Guide- City of Indianapolis Tips for Rain Gardens in Clay Soils (PDF) Great Step by Step Guides: Rain Garden App - Start to Finish Rain Garden builder Start-to-Finish Rain Garden Design: A Workbook for Homeowners Build Your Own Rain Garden Guide |
Where do I get plants for my rain garden?
Visit our "Where to purchase native plants" page for more info on sources plants for your rain garden! Keep an eye on our cost share programs, for financial assistance with conservation-related projects!
BYC Cost Share |
Purdue Extension Rain Garden Installation Videos
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