This document describes a residential rain garden design that uses permeable pavement and planting of native drought-tolerant plants to capture and filter rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces. Key elements include permeable asphalt or concrete for walkways to allow water absorption, an underground drain pipe to prevent flooding, and deciduous and evergreen plants chosen for their ability to reduce watering needs while providing shade and wind protection to the home.

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12. Residential Rain Garden at a Sidewalk Edge
1 Permeable pavement material
(permeable asphalt, permeable
concrete, or permeable pavers)
2 Concrete paving
3 Smaller pipe under drain

13. Recommended Plant Material: Reduce water use by emphasizing native and/or drought tolerant plants,
eliminating turf areas, and minimizing maintenance.

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16. Rain gardens at front and side edges of property
Deciduous shade tree on the W side of the house
blocks hot summer sun, but allows warm winter sun
to penetrate
Evergreen plants on NW side of the house to block
cold winter winds
Permeable walk allows water to be absorb directly in
the ground
LID Techniques
Rainwater Harvesting