What Is a Rain Garden?
Rain carries pollutants like oil, chemicals, pesticides, and sediments into storm drains and ultimately into streams and rivers. A rain garden utilizes bioretention, where plants and soil remove these pollutants from storm water. Traditionally, curbs, gutters, and storm drains are used to carry runoff directly into streams and rivers without bioretention filtering. Rain gardens are built in low-lying areas using layers of soil, sand, and organic mulch that filter the rain. This soil absorbs and stores the rainwater and nourishes the trees, grasses, and other native plants. Thus, the rain garden filters and reuses the water reducing storm water pollution and providing attractive landscaping.