Do you want to make your yard look better year-round and help the environment at the same time? If your answer is yes, it may be time to install a rain garden in your landscape. What is a rain garden? How can it help your property? And how can you deploy one at home? Here are some answers to your questions. 

What is a Rain Garden?

At its most basic, a rain garden is simply a depression in the soil where water naturally pools and plants which love water are installed. The rain garden can be made from a natural low spot or you can build one artificially in order to improve some specific aspect of the yard. It takes advantage of the natural flow of gravity. 

Why Install a Rain Garden?

Rain gardens help your yard, first and foremost, by collecting rainwater to a safe location where it can soak into the ground normally. This prevents uncontrolled runoff and erosion from damaging the yard, It also helps ensure that water doesn't flow back toward your foundation or other structures in your yard. 

However, rain gardens also help the community at large. They prevent water from flowing unchecked across the ground — picking up chemicals, oils, pesticides, and foreign matter — and then falling into drains untreated. Instead, soaking into the ground filters the water naturally and returns it to the water table. 

Finally, an intentional rain garden beautifies challenging areas in your yard. If you struggle to figure out what to do with a constant wet zone or poor drainage, this method turns it into a lush, low-maintenance landscape feature. 

How Can You Design a Rain Garden?

Many homeowners place their rain garden in places where water naturally pools — such as near the base of downspouts and in natural low spots. However, it may be best to design your low spot more intentionally in order to maximize its benefit and minimize problems. Choose an area away from structures, septic tanks, large greenery, and utility lines.  Remember, even smaller depressions can handle a lot of water. 

In general, most people design their rain garden in three zones. The perimeter of the depression is planted with plants and flowers which can tolerate periods of more water and less. Moving inward, a second zone should thrive with so-called 'wet feet, or pooling water on a more regular basis. Finally, the center gets the most water and should be filled with water-loving plants like lady fern, elephant's ear, or iris. 

Where Can You Start?

Not sure how to attack the design and planting of a rain garden? Begin by meeting with a landscaping service in your region today. With their help, you'll soon have a happier, healthier yard to call home.