Landscape Design Tips for Rain Gardens

Compared to a patch of lawn, a rain garden allows about 30% more water to soak into the ground!

Rain gardens are NOT solutions for wet areas -- they must have good drainage. Water must soak into the soil within 24 hours to prevent water buildup that becomes a mosquito breeding ground.

• The garden should be at least 10 feet away from buildings.

• The garden should receive full or partial sunlight.

• Avoid areas over septic tanks.

• The garden must include an overflow structure that will allow heavy rains to divert to a natural drainage pattern, not a neighbor's lawn.
• Size the garden to serve the area draining into it, the type of soil on the site, and the depth of the garden.
• Before you dig, remember to call to locate underground utility lines: (1-800-272-1000)
• Choose plants that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions and suited to your garden's sun/shade exposure.

RESOURCES

You'll find a variety of reference materials about rain gardens at this Water Resources Program website ... including: Landscaper Training Program for Rain Gardens - Fact Sheet 29, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, 2007

California trees and shrubs recommended for your rain gardens. A list of California trees and shrubs to brighten and enliven your rain garden.

Low Impact Development with rain gardens. Download a PDF.