A rain garden is a garden where runoff from impervious surfaces (e.g. your roof, driveway, sidewalk, patios) is directed. Rain gardens are designed to help rainwater soak directly into the ground rather than running off into storm drains.

When covered in natural vegetation, the ground soaks up most rainfall. However, as we create more impervious surfaces, much of the rainfall can’t enter the soil. Instead, water sweeps over the surface, carrying trash, oil, leaves and other pollutants into our streams and rivers. 

Rain gardens are a beautiful way to encourage rain to soak into the ground naturally, reducing the amount of pollution that gets into our creeks, rivers and wetlands.  Rain gardens also provide habitat for many birds and beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

JSWCD has created these brochures to help you plan for and plant your own rain garden.  You can also get started determining your soil type and finding native plants for your rain garden at local native plant nurseries. 

Don't forget to contact us with questions or for help!