2. What is a rain garden?
The design of a rain garden
emulates natural watersheds
and wetlands.
A rain garden is a shallow
basin that slows down,
temporarily holds rainwater,
allowing it to be. absorbed
into the soil and by the plants
Rain gardens can also be a
solution to low areas
with moist soils
3.
4. Surrounding terrain that
drains into the rain garden
Transition zone of
the rain garden Bioswale
Surrounding
terrain that
drains into the
rain garden
Rain garden basin
5. Surrounding terrain draining towards rain
garden = driest zone
Bioswale = alternately wet/dry zone
Transition zone surrounds the basin of rain
garden = alternately wet/dry zone
What is a rain garden Rain garden basin = this zone stays wet
the longest, sometimes permanently
Overflow spillway is similar to the
bioswale and directs flow towards
traditional stormwater system
Examples of small
residential size
rain gardens
10. Design should include
elements for
interaction
The benefit of natural aesthetics
and replaced habitat offers other
opportunities for communities,
such as education and recreation
11. Rain Gardens of any size will
reduce the quantity and
velocity of storm water runoff.
Any reduction is a benefit.
Water quality is
improved as well
12. A Few Tips to Keep in Mind
*Size is approx. 20-30% of surface
draining towards rain garden
*A rain garden should be no closer than
10 ft. from a building
*Basin should be 4-8” minimum
*Grade to ensure that water flows from
the source to the rain garden and
beyond to convention storm water
29. Native Landscaping Manual
is part of the
Native Plant School
held at Shaw Nature Reserve
Great plant lists of Missouri
native plants for rain gardens
www.shawnature.org
