Rain Gardens

Beautiful Gardens That Work Hard for Clean Water

Rain gardens are a simple way to manage stormwater runoff while adding beauty and habitat to your landscape. By capturing rainwater from roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces, rain gardens help filter pollutants, reduce runoff and protect local waterways.

Why Plant a Rain Garden?

Rain gardens use native plants, grasses and trees to collect and filter rainwater before it reaches storm drains, rivers and streams. They help mimic nature by allowing water to soak into the ground rather than rushing across paved surfaces.

Benefits of rain gardens:

Filter pollutants from stormwater runoff
Reduce localized flooding and standing water
Help protect rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay
Provide habitat for birds, butterflies and pollinators
Add beauty and diversity to your landscape
Help recharge groundwater supplies

Build a Better Rain Garden

The most successful rain gardens are designed with the right location and plants in mind.

Keep these tips in mind:

Choose an area that naturally collects runoff
Consider placing your garden near a roof, driveway or other hard surface where runoff can be captured
Select native plants that tolerate both wet and dry conditions
Use a variety of plant species, heights and textures
As a general rule, include one plant species for every 10 to 20 square feet
Sketch out your garden design and plant placement before planting
Plant shrubs and perennials in groups of three to five of the same species when possible
Place taller plants in the center or toward the back, with shorter plants near the edges
Add mulch to help retain moisture, reduce weeds and improve filtration
Match plants to different moisture zones within the garden
Avoid invasive plant species

Rain gardens should drain within a few days after a storm and should not remain constantly wet.

Rain Gardens Support Healthy Waterways

Every rain garden helps keep polluted runoff out of local waterways. By slowing down and filtering stormwater, these gardens reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients and other pollutants that can reach rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Even a small rain garden can make a big difference for water quality, wildlife habitat and the health of our communities.