A rain garden is a shallow depression, planted with native plants, designed to slow, capture, and soak up runoff from your yard. The biggest cause of pollution in rivers (the source of most of our drinking water) is non-point source pollution. That's runoff from streets and lawns that carry pesticides, fertilizers, and oil from the storm drains to the streams. Rain gardens are designed to allow runoff to soak into the ground within a few hours. Rain gardens are planted with noninvasive species that tolerate both brief periods of pooling as well as dry periods between rainfalls and possible pollutant loadings.

Stormwater runoff is increasing as local watersheds are developed with paved surfaces such as parking lots, driveways, and rooftops, causing rainwater to run off quickly into storm drains and rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and the ocean. Rainwater that normally would have ponded and soaked into the ground recharging the ground water becomes stormwater runoff causing erosion, more flash flooding, poor water quality caused by pollutants or combined sewage overflows, and what many towns are finding a long-term lowering of groundwater tables.

Every drop of rain that you keep on your property with rain barrels or rain gardens helps to keep our waterways and drinking water less polluted. Rain gardens also provide a necessary habitat for butterflies and birds, decrease the area to mow and fertilize, and add diversity and beauty to your property. Since they drain in less than 48 hours, mosquito eggs do not grow into larvae. Choosing the Right Plants and Location are of major importance. Check your town ordinances concerning stormwater runoff and setbacks before building a rain garden.

                   Links to Good information about Rain Gardens

Maine Cooperative Extension, University of Maine

Rain Garden Information, Portland, ME Water District

 How to Build a Rain Garden Native Landscapes by AES

How to Plant a Rain Garden Northern Rhode Island Conservation District

URI Master Gardener info, University of Rhode Island Master Gardener

Rain Garden Network