If you have water pooling in your yard or running off your driveway every time it rains, designing a rain garden might be the fix you didn’t know you needed.
It's more than just a patch of flowers. A rainwater runoff solution like this helps slow and filter stormwater before it heads into drains. These landscaped areas are low-tech, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to add to your outdoor space. Once the right plants are in place, they need very little care... especially if you go native.
1. Start With the Right Spot
Look for places where water settles after heavy rain. This could be near a downspout, beside paved areas, or in a soggy lawn corner.
Pick a location at least 10 feet away from your home or septic system. Not only does this protect your foundation; it gives your garden a good drainage area. Homes built on clay soil or with low points in the yard are perfect candidates.
2. Watch Where the Water Goes
Stormwater runoff follows the path of least resistance. Before digging, take a few rainy-day notes on how water moves across your hard surfaces like driveways or sidewalks. If needed, direct the flow with a drainage pipe or shallow channel toward your catchment area. You can even use a garden hose to simulate water movement and confirm your design.
3. Pick Plants That Love Your Climate
Rain garden plants need to handle both wet and dry conditions. “Once established, they require little supplemental watering, and for that reason alone they make great rain garden plants,” shared Maggie Reiter, Lead Scientist at Sunday. The best plants have deep roots that help stabilize soil and slow erosion.
When it comes to picking and choosing, select a variety:
- 2–3 sedges for the lowest zone
- 1–2 ornamental grasses for structure
- 3–4 flowering species that suit your sunlight
Use native species that match your soil type and water level. Local native plant nurseries or your state’s soil and water conservation district can help you build a plant list that fits.
4. Draw Your Layout
When working on garden design, group similar plant species together and keep space between them—remember, roots need room. You can go denser than in a typical flower bed to boost soil stability and slow the flow of water. Place plants with higher water requirements in the ponding depth zone and drought-tolerant varieties near the edges.
5. Clear and Dig
Start by removing sod or turf from your planting site. If possible, conduct a quick infiltration test by digging a small hole, filling it with water, and timing how fast it drains. A healthy rain garden should absorb water within 48 hours. Then dig to a uniform depth of 4 to 8 inches. Save the topsoil and mix a new base of 2 parts topsoil, 1 part compost, and 1 part sand. This soil mix improves infiltration rates. Use extra soil to form a berm on the low side.
6. Time to Plant
With your plant list in hand, go ahead and arrange your garden. Dig in the roots, then cover the surface with mulch or river rocks. Mulching helps keep weeds down and moisture levels steady. Native perennials work well here because their plant roots help absorb excess rain water and anchor the soil.
7. Help It Settle In
Your garden won’t need much long-term; however, in the beginning, check the water infiltration and keep the area moist while roots take hold. Pull any weeds that pop up and replace plants as needed. If your infiltration rate slows, re-check for compaction or clogged soil layers.
“Rain gardens are low-lying areas filled with native plants and strategically located to capture runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, walkways, and parking lots,” said Reiter. “But rain gardens are more than just a pretty space. They have some major practical benefits, primarily the management of stormwater and runoff.”
Why It’s Worth It
A well-built rain garden is more than decoration—it’s part of a complete stormwater management solution.
- Reduces water runoff from driveways and roofs
- Filters pollutants before they reach surface waters
- Keeps storm sewers from overloading
- Adds structure and color to your yard
- Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
- Helps improve water quality in your local watershed
- May offer local rebates or stormwater charges discounts
“Impervious surfaces have a habit of collecting pollutants like sediment, oil, radiator fluid, and other yard debris,” Reiter explains. “When water pools on these surfaces and runs off into storm drains, it can eventually make its way into lakes, rivers, and wetlands—taking the pollutants with it.”
FAQ
What if my soil type doesn’t drain well?
If you have compacted or clay soil, use a soil mix that improves drainage, or consider adding a shallow underdrain pipe. You can also create a berm and overflow area to help control heavy rainwater. If infiltration remains poor, consult your local extension office for options specific to your soil type.
Can I use rain barrels with a rain garden?
Yes! Pairing a rain garden with rain barrels creates a two-part rainwater collection system. Use rain barrels to catch rooftop runoff and then overflow into the garden for larger storms. It’s a great way to reduce pressure on local sewer systems during peak rainfall.
