This manual provides guidance on designing and installing rain gardens in Vermont. It is intended for homeowners, landscape architects, and others interested in protecting local waterways from stormwater runoff. The manual explains that rain gardens are shallow, bowl-shaped gardens that capture rainfall and allow it to soak into the ground instead of running off into nearby rivers and lakes. It then provides a step-by-step process for choosing a location, sizing, designing, installing, and maintaining a rain garden. Sample planting plans and a list of suitable native plant species for rain gardens in Vermont are also included.
The document provides guidance on selecting and designing rain garden sites for rooftop and driveway/parking lot runoff. It outlines key steps including identifying existing stormwater infrastructure, observing stormwater flow paths, ensuring adequate space and soil drainage, and sizing the rain garden appropriately based on the drainage area and design storm volume. The document emphasizes disconnecting impervious surfaces from existing drainage systems where possible and accounting for overflow during large storms.
Western Washington Rain Garden Handbook
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
This document provides instructions for creating a rain garden. It explains that rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to soak into the ground. This helps reduce flooding and pollution in streams. The summary then outlines the six steps to create a rain garden: 1) Find a suitable location where water flows, 2) Verify the slope is less than 10%, 3) Calculate the garden size needed based on the runoff area, 4) Test the soil infiltration, 5) Lay out the shape, and 6) Dig the rain garden depression.
Corsica River Watershed, Maryland: Rain Gardens Homeowners GuideSotirakou964
This document provides guidance on designing and maintaining backyard rain gardens. It explains that rain gardens capture runoff from impervious surfaces and allow water to slowly soak into the ground while removing pollutants. The document provides instructions on selecting a garden location, sizing the garden based on drainage area, constructing the garden bed, planting native water-tolerant plants, and maintaining the garden over time through weeding, mulching, and replanting as needed. The overall purpose of a rain garden is to improve water quality and reduce flooding by allowing stormwater runoff to naturally infiltrate local soils.
The document provides guidance on properly using common best management practices (BMPs) to control sediment and erosion. It describes 10 BMPs, including silt fence, wattles, hydroseeding, check dams, catch basin inserts, sediment cages, riprap outlets, sediment traps, sweeping, and material site ditches. For each BMP, it explains the purpose, proper installation techniques, common failures if improperly used, and maintenance needs such as sediment removal. It emphasizes that combining BMPs is often most effective and that regular maintenance is essential.
SC: Rainwater Harvesting Manual for HomeownerslSotirakou964
The document provides instructions for constructing a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater from rooftops. It includes a list of materials needed and step-by-step instructions for drilling holes and inserting fittings to create the barrel structure and allow for collection and overflow of water. The workshop taught participants how to build their own rain barrel using simple and inexpensive materials to conserve water and provide information to share water conservation practices with others.
Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops and roads picks up pollution as it flows across the landscape. This polluted runoff is delivered directly to local streams and rivers without treatment. Backyard rain gardens capture runoff from these surfaces and allow the water to soak into the ground, filtering out pollutants before reaching waterways. Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants, and they reduce flooding by sending water underground rather than into streets. Maintaining rain gardens with annual mulching and weeding helps keep them functioning properly to improve water quality.
The document discusses how rain gardens help reduce stormwater runoff and pollution in streams. Rain gardens allow 30% more water to soak into the ground, reducing runoff. They filter out pollutants from sources like fertilizers, oil, sediment, and bacteria. Installing a rain garden involves determining the location, planning the size based on drainage area and soil type, digging the garden in a bowl shape with a berm, and planting native water-tolerant plants. Rain gardens provide benefits like preventing flooding, limiting erosion and water pollution, and providing wildlife habitat.
The document provides guidance on selecting and designing rain garden sites for rooftop and driveway/parking lot runoff. It outlines key steps including identifying existing stormwater infrastructure, observing stormwater flow paths, ensuring adequate space and soil drainage, and sizing the rain garden appropriately based on the drainage area and design storm volume. The document emphasizes disconnecting impervious surfaces from existing drainage systems where possible and accounting for overflow during large storms.
Western Washington Rain Garden Handbook
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
This document provides instructions for creating a rain garden. It explains that rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to soak into the ground. This helps reduce flooding and pollution in streams. The summary then outlines the six steps to create a rain garden: 1) Find a suitable location where water flows, 2) Verify the slope is less than 10%, 3) Calculate the garden size needed based on the runoff area, 4) Test the soil infiltration, 5) Lay out the shape, and 6) Dig the rain garden depression.
Corsica River Watershed, Maryland: Rain Gardens Homeowners GuideSotirakou964
This document provides guidance on designing and maintaining backyard rain gardens. It explains that rain gardens capture runoff from impervious surfaces and allow water to slowly soak into the ground while removing pollutants. The document provides instructions on selecting a garden location, sizing the garden based on drainage area, constructing the garden bed, planting native water-tolerant plants, and maintaining the garden over time through weeding, mulching, and replanting as needed. The overall purpose of a rain garden is to improve water quality and reduce flooding by allowing stormwater runoff to naturally infiltrate local soils.
The document provides guidance on properly using common best management practices (BMPs) to control sediment and erosion. It describes 10 BMPs, including silt fence, wattles, hydroseeding, check dams, catch basin inserts, sediment cages, riprap outlets, sediment traps, sweeping, and material site ditches. For each BMP, it explains the purpose, proper installation techniques, common failures if improperly used, and maintenance needs such as sediment removal. It emphasizes that combining BMPs is often most effective and that regular maintenance is essential.
SC: Rainwater Harvesting Manual for HomeownerslSotirakou964
The document provides instructions for constructing a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater from rooftops. It includes a list of materials needed and step-by-step instructions for drilling holes and inserting fittings to create the barrel structure and allow for collection and overflow of water. The workshop taught participants how to build their own rain barrel using simple and inexpensive materials to conserve water and provide information to share water conservation practices with others.
Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops and roads picks up pollution as it flows across the landscape. This polluted runoff is delivered directly to local streams and rivers without treatment. Backyard rain gardens capture runoff from these surfaces and allow the water to soak into the ground, filtering out pollutants before reaching waterways. Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants, and they reduce flooding by sending water underground rather than into streets. Maintaining rain gardens with annual mulching and weeding helps keep them functioning properly to improve water quality.
The document discusses how rain gardens help reduce stormwater runoff and pollution in streams. Rain gardens allow 30% more water to soak into the ground, reducing runoff. They filter out pollutants from sources like fertilizers, oil, sediment, and bacteria. Installing a rain garden involves determining the location, planning the size based on drainage area and soil type, digging the garden in a bowl shape with a berm, and planting native water-tolerant plants. Rain gardens provide benefits like preventing flooding, limiting erosion and water pollution, and providing wildlife habitat.
This manual provides guidance on designing and installing rain gardens in Vermont. It explains that rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to soak into the ground. The manual outlines the step-by-step process for choosing a location, sizing, designing, installing, and maintaining a rain garden. It includes a plant list and sample planting plans tailored for Vermont's climate zones. The purpose is to help homeowners and others protect water quality in rivers and lakes by reducing and treating stormwater runoff through rain gardens.
Rain gardens are landscaping features that manage stormwater on site by absorbing water and filtering pollutants through their loose, deep soils. Their size can vary and they can fit odd shapes and spaces. They are an excellent method of keeping stormwater on site and out of the sewer system. Maintaining a beautiful rain garden requires regular watering, weeding, and mulching, especially in the first year, to keep the garden looking good and functioning well.
Wisconsin Rain Gardens: A How to Manual for HomeownersSotirakou964
This how-to manual provides homeowners with instructions for designing and building rain gardens on residential properties. It explains that rain gardens are landscaped areas planted with native vegetation that capture rainwater runoff from roofs and allow it to slowly soak into the ground rather than flowing into storm drains. This helps reduce flooding and pollution in local waterways. The manual outlines best practices for siting a rain garden, including positioning it at least 10 feet from homes and avoiding very steep slopes. It also addresses common questions like whether rain gardens breed mosquitoes or require much maintenance.
The document provides guidance for homeowners on designing and installing a rain garden, including determining suitable locations, sizing the garden based on drainage area, and selecting appropriate native plants that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Worksheets are included to help homeowners calculate necessary dimensions, materials, and design elements like inlets, outlets, soil amendments, and mulching.
The document discusses the design and installation of absorption trenches and beds for on-site wastewater systems. It describes how trenches and beds work to treat and dispose of wastewater effluent from septic tanks. Key steps in the design process include determining trench dimensions, distributing effluent evenly, and meeting regulatory requirements. Proper installation techniques help ensure trenches function effectively long-term and involve accurately locating, leveling, and promptly completing trenches.
PA: Philadelphia: Green Roof Demonstration ProjectSotirakou964
This document summarizes a demonstration project that installed a 3,000 square foot vegetated roof cover on an industrial building in Philadelphia. The project showed that vegetated roof covers can reduce stormwater runoff volumes by up to 54% annually and attenuate peak runoff rates for a variety of storm events by detaining rainfall in plant foliage and soil. Benefits of vegetated roof covers include reduced stormwater management costs, improved air and water quality, energy savings, and extended roof membrane life.
This document provides information about rain gardens, including:
1) A rain garden is a garden designed to capture some of the runoff from rooftops, driveways, and lawns to slow down and soak up excess rainwater rather than letting it run into storm drains.
2) Stormwater runoff carries many pollutants that are filtered out as the water is slowed and soaked up in a rain garden, which benefits both the local environment and helps prevent issues like subsidence.
3) Creating an effective rain garden involves selecting a low-lying site near where water naturally drains, evaluating the soil drainage, and designing shallow planting zones suited to plants that can tolerate intermittent wet conditions.
This document provides information about rain gardens, including:
- Rain gardens are landscaped depressions that allow stormwater to soak into the ground instead of running off, reducing pollution and flooding.
- They should be planted with native species and designed to drain within 4-6 hours.
- Benefits include improved water quality, groundwater recharge, and wildlife habitat.
- Design considerations include ponding depth, plant selection, soil composition, and drainage area size.
- A local example of a successful rain garden is described in Athens, GA.
North Carolina, Asheville - Rain Gardens
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
WA: Pierce County: Small Rain Garden Technical GuideSotirakou964
This technical guide provides guidance on designing and installing small rain gardens to help manage stormwater runoff. Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that allow stormwater to soak into the ground rather than run off into sewer systems. The guide outlines best practices for siting, soil preparation, plant selection, and sizing rain gardens based on the area draining to them. Following the guidelines can help rain gardens effectively treat pollutants in stormwater while also recharging groundwater and reducing flooding.
This document provides design principles for infiltration rain gardens, which are landscaped areas that allow stormwater runoff to infiltrate into soils below. Key aspects of rain garden design include using deep soil media to allow infiltration, including an overflow system to prevent flooding, and locating gardens to avoid issues with foundations, utilities and steep slopes. Proper pretreatment, plant selection, mulching and drawdown times are also important design considerations to maximize infiltration and treatment of stormwater runoff.
A rain garden is a landscaping feature that captures excess water from rooftops and lawns to allow it to slowly soak into the ground rather than rushing into storm drains, helping to reduce flooding and filter out contaminants while recharging groundwater supplies and providing habitat. The size of a rain garden should be 20-30% of the roof area draining into it, and it is constructed by digging a shallow bowl and filling it with a soil mixture to allow for quick water infiltration and plant growth of native species suited to periodic standing water.
This document provides an introduction to sustainable stormwater management. It discusses that stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces can cause water pollution and flooding. Traditional stormwater drainage systems exacerbate these issues by rapidly routing runoff to streams. Sustainable stormwater management techniques like low impact development and best management practices aim to manage stormwater quality and quantity on-site. Examples of sustainable techniques discussed include rain gardens, bio-retention areas, vegetated swales, and dry swales. The document outlines the installation process and design considerations for rain gardens and bio-retention areas.
Prairier Rivers Network: Rain Gardens for IllinoisSotirakou964
Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that are designed to capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. They provide multiple benefits by reducing flooding, improving water quality by filtering out pollutants, and providing habitat for wildlife like birds and butterflies. Proper site selection and planting of native species suited to the soil and moisture conditions are essential to establishing an effective and attractive rain garden.
This document provides guidance on designing and installing residential rain gardens. It explains that rain gardens are landscaped areas that capture roof runoff and allow it to slowly soak into the ground rather than running off into storm drains. The document provides guidelines on siting rain gardens at least 10 feet from foundations, on slopes under 12%, and in partial sun. It also offers recommendations for sizing rain gardens based on drainage area, soil type, and depth between 100-300 square feet. Instructions are given for determining slope, drainage area, and using sizing tables to calculate the appropriate surface area for effective stormwater management.
New Jersey: Rain Gardens for Beginners ManualSotirakou964
The document provides information for homeowners on designing and installing rain gardens. It defines a rain garden as a shallow landscaped area that collects and treats stormwater runoff. The document outlines key steps in planning a rain garden, including identifying the site, measuring the drainage area, assessing slope and soil conditions, and performing calculations to determine appropriate size and plant selection. Site visits are recommended to evaluate existing stormwater flows and drainage problems. Installation and maintenance tips are also briefly mentioned.
Vermont Rain Garden Manual - Gardening to Absorb the Storm
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the landscape designed to capture rainwater runoff from rooftops, lawns, and other surfaces. They allow the rainwater to naturally seep into the ground, recharging groundwater supplies and preventing polluted runoff. Benefits include reducing flooding, filtering pollutants, and creating wildlife habitat. When designing a rain garden, the size and depth depend on the amount of runoff to be captured and the soil type. Native plants suitable for both wet and dry conditions should be selected. Ongoing maintenance includes weeding and replanting as needed.
Rain gardens are landscaped areas planted with native plants that capture and filter stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces. They are typically planted in low-lying, flat areas of the yard near where water flows naturally or near downspouts. To build a rain garden, homeowners determine the size based on drainage area, dig a basin, add soil amendments if needed, plant native water-tolerant plants, and add mulch to allow runoff to slowly infiltrate the ground while trapping pollutants. Properly sited and planted rain gardens reduce flooding risks and improve water quality.
AK: Planting a Rain Garden for Your HomeSotirakou964
The document provides instructions for planting a rain garden in Fairbanks, Alaska. It discusses choosing a location with good drainage and redirecting roof runoff into the garden. Steps include digging a deep hole, amending the soil, planting water-tolerant plants, and adding mulch. Regular weeding, watering and fertilizing is required for maintenance. A list of suitable plant types for Alaska's climate is also included.
This document provides information about installing and maintaining rain gardens in South Carolina. It discusses how rain gardens work to reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants by allowing rainwater to slowly infiltrate the ground. The document provides guidance on siting, sizing, planting, and caring for rain gardens. Specific plant options for different regions of South Carolina are also listed, with information on their characteristics and suitability for rain gardens.
This manual provides guidance on designing and installing rain gardens in Vermont. It explains that rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to soak into the ground. The manual outlines the step-by-step process for choosing a location, sizing, designing, installing, and maintaining a rain garden. It includes a plant list and sample planting plans tailored for Vermont's climate zones. The purpose is to help homeowners and others protect water quality in rivers and lakes by reducing and treating stormwater runoff through rain gardens.
Rain gardens are landscaping features that manage stormwater on site by absorbing water and filtering pollutants through their loose, deep soils. Their size can vary and they can fit odd shapes and spaces. They are an excellent method of keeping stormwater on site and out of the sewer system. Maintaining a beautiful rain garden requires regular watering, weeding, and mulching, especially in the first year, to keep the garden looking good and functioning well.
Wisconsin Rain Gardens: A How to Manual for HomeownersSotirakou964
This how-to manual provides homeowners with instructions for designing and building rain gardens on residential properties. It explains that rain gardens are landscaped areas planted with native vegetation that capture rainwater runoff from roofs and allow it to slowly soak into the ground rather than flowing into storm drains. This helps reduce flooding and pollution in local waterways. The manual outlines best practices for siting a rain garden, including positioning it at least 10 feet from homes and avoiding very steep slopes. It also addresses common questions like whether rain gardens breed mosquitoes or require much maintenance.
The document provides guidance for homeowners on designing and installing a rain garden, including determining suitable locations, sizing the garden based on drainage area, and selecting appropriate native plants that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Worksheets are included to help homeowners calculate necessary dimensions, materials, and design elements like inlets, outlets, soil amendments, and mulching.
The document discusses the design and installation of absorption trenches and beds for on-site wastewater systems. It describes how trenches and beds work to treat and dispose of wastewater effluent from septic tanks. Key steps in the design process include determining trench dimensions, distributing effluent evenly, and meeting regulatory requirements. Proper installation techniques help ensure trenches function effectively long-term and involve accurately locating, leveling, and promptly completing trenches.
PA: Philadelphia: Green Roof Demonstration ProjectSotirakou964
This document summarizes a demonstration project that installed a 3,000 square foot vegetated roof cover on an industrial building in Philadelphia. The project showed that vegetated roof covers can reduce stormwater runoff volumes by up to 54% annually and attenuate peak runoff rates for a variety of storm events by detaining rainfall in plant foliage and soil. Benefits of vegetated roof covers include reduced stormwater management costs, improved air and water quality, energy savings, and extended roof membrane life.
This document provides information about rain gardens, including:
1) A rain garden is a garden designed to capture some of the runoff from rooftops, driveways, and lawns to slow down and soak up excess rainwater rather than letting it run into storm drains.
2) Stormwater runoff carries many pollutants that are filtered out as the water is slowed and soaked up in a rain garden, which benefits both the local environment and helps prevent issues like subsidence.
3) Creating an effective rain garden involves selecting a low-lying site near where water naturally drains, evaluating the soil drainage, and designing shallow planting zones suited to plants that can tolerate intermittent wet conditions.
This document provides information about rain gardens, including:
- Rain gardens are landscaped depressions that allow stormwater to soak into the ground instead of running off, reducing pollution and flooding.
- They should be planted with native species and designed to drain within 4-6 hours.
- Benefits include improved water quality, groundwater recharge, and wildlife habitat.
- Design considerations include ponding depth, plant selection, soil composition, and drainage area size.
- A local example of a successful rain garden is described in Athens, GA.
North Carolina, Asheville - Rain Gardens
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
WA: Pierce County: Small Rain Garden Technical GuideSotirakou964
This technical guide provides guidance on designing and installing small rain gardens to help manage stormwater runoff. Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that allow stormwater to soak into the ground rather than run off into sewer systems. The guide outlines best practices for siting, soil preparation, plant selection, and sizing rain gardens based on the area draining to them. Following the guidelines can help rain gardens effectively treat pollutants in stormwater while also recharging groundwater and reducing flooding.
This document provides design principles for infiltration rain gardens, which are landscaped areas that allow stormwater runoff to infiltrate into soils below. Key aspects of rain garden design include using deep soil media to allow infiltration, including an overflow system to prevent flooding, and locating gardens to avoid issues with foundations, utilities and steep slopes. Proper pretreatment, plant selection, mulching and drawdown times are also important design considerations to maximize infiltration and treatment of stormwater runoff.
A rain garden is a landscaping feature that captures excess water from rooftops and lawns to allow it to slowly soak into the ground rather than rushing into storm drains, helping to reduce flooding and filter out contaminants while recharging groundwater supplies and providing habitat. The size of a rain garden should be 20-30% of the roof area draining into it, and it is constructed by digging a shallow bowl and filling it with a soil mixture to allow for quick water infiltration and plant growth of native species suited to periodic standing water.
This document provides an introduction to sustainable stormwater management. It discusses that stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces can cause water pollution and flooding. Traditional stormwater drainage systems exacerbate these issues by rapidly routing runoff to streams. Sustainable stormwater management techniques like low impact development and best management practices aim to manage stormwater quality and quantity on-site. Examples of sustainable techniques discussed include rain gardens, bio-retention areas, vegetated swales, and dry swales. The document outlines the installation process and design considerations for rain gardens and bio-retention areas.
Prairier Rivers Network: Rain Gardens for IllinoisSotirakou964
Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that are designed to capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. They provide multiple benefits by reducing flooding, improving water quality by filtering out pollutants, and providing habitat for wildlife like birds and butterflies. Proper site selection and planting of native species suited to the soil and moisture conditions are essential to establishing an effective and attractive rain garden.
This document provides guidance on designing and installing residential rain gardens. It explains that rain gardens are landscaped areas that capture roof runoff and allow it to slowly soak into the ground rather than running off into storm drains. The document provides guidelines on siting rain gardens at least 10 feet from foundations, on slopes under 12%, and in partial sun. It also offers recommendations for sizing rain gardens based on drainage area, soil type, and depth between 100-300 square feet. Instructions are given for determining slope, drainage area, and using sizing tables to calculate the appropriate surface area for effective stormwater management.
New Jersey: Rain Gardens for Beginners ManualSotirakou964
The document provides information for homeowners on designing and installing rain gardens. It defines a rain garden as a shallow landscaped area that collects and treats stormwater runoff. The document outlines key steps in planning a rain garden, including identifying the site, measuring the drainage area, assessing slope and soil conditions, and performing calculations to determine appropriate size and plant selection. Site visits are recommended to evaluate existing stormwater flows and drainage problems. Installation and maintenance tips are also briefly mentioned.
Vermont Rain Garden Manual - Gardening to Absorb the Storm
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the landscape designed to capture rainwater runoff from rooftops, lawns, and other surfaces. They allow the rainwater to naturally seep into the ground, recharging groundwater supplies and preventing polluted runoff. Benefits include reducing flooding, filtering pollutants, and creating wildlife habitat. When designing a rain garden, the size and depth depend on the amount of runoff to be captured and the soil type. Native plants suitable for both wet and dry conditions should be selected. Ongoing maintenance includes weeding and replanting as needed.
Rain gardens are landscaped areas planted with native plants that capture and filter stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces. They are typically planted in low-lying, flat areas of the yard near where water flows naturally or near downspouts. To build a rain garden, homeowners determine the size based on drainage area, dig a basin, add soil amendments if needed, plant native water-tolerant plants, and add mulch to allow runoff to slowly infiltrate the ground while trapping pollutants. Properly sited and planted rain gardens reduce flooding risks and improve water quality.
AK: Planting a Rain Garden for Your HomeSotirakou964
The document provides instructions for planting a rain garden in Fairbanks, Alaska. It discusses choosing a location with good drainage and redirecting roof runoff into the garden. Steps include digging a deep hole, amending the soil, planting water-tolerant plants, and adding mulch. Regular weeding, watering and fertilizing is required for maintenance. A list of suitable plant types for Alaska's climate is also included.
This document provides information about installing and maintaining rain gardens in South Carolina. It discusses how rain gardens work to reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants by allowing rainwater to slowly infiltrate the ground. The document provides guidance on siting, sizing, planting, and caring for rain gardens. Specific plant options for different regions of South Carolina are also listed, with information on their characteristics and suitability for rain gardens.
Rain gardens are landscaped depressions that receive stormwater runoff, allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the groundwater. This helps reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution from stormwater runoff. Rain gardens should be sized to about 20-30% of the drainage area and deep enough (around 6 inches) to temporarily store runoff from a 1-inch rainfall. The soil must have proper drainage and permeability to allow infiltration. Rain gardens provide habitat and remove pollutants from stormwater runoff through various natural processes.
This document provides information about installing and maintaining rain gardens in South Carolina. It discusses how rain gardens work to reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants by allowing rainwater to slowly infiltrate the ground. The document provides guidance on siting, sizing, planting, and caring for rain gardens. Specific plant options for different regions of South Carolina are also listed, with information on their characteristics and suitability for rain gardens.
Rain gardens are landscaped areas designed to capture and filter runoff from rooftops and paved areas. They are an attractive way to protect water quality. To build one, choose a location that receives runoff and has well-draining soil. Dig the area 6-8 inches deep and 8-10 feet wide. Fill it with a soil mixture and plant native wetland plants. Rain gardens hold runoff so it can infiltrate the ground instead of flowing into storm drains. They provide both environmental and aesthetic benefits.
Outdoor America: How to Build a Rain GardenSotirakou964
Stormwater runoff is a leading cause of pollution. A rain garden is a shallow depression planted with native plants that captures runoff from impervious surfaces like driveways and roofs. The summary outlines the 5 step process to build a rain garden: 1) Pick a location that drains well and is at least 10 feet from the house, 2) Map out the garden shape, 3) Dig the pit to a depth of 4-8 inches, 4) Create berms around the edges to keep water in, and 5) Plant a variety of native plants and mulch. Rain gardens beautify yards while reducing runoff pollution and providing habitat.
Conserving Water in the Garden: Designing and Installing a New Landscape - Or...Kardatou54a
To conserve water in a new landscape:
1. Start with a plan that groups plants by water needs and uses permeable surfaces.
2. Improve the soil by adding compost or other organic matter to increase water retention.
3. Select drought-tolerant native or Mediterranean plants and water-efficient turf.
4. Use drip irrigation, water deeply and infrequently, and repair any issues with sprinkler systems to avoid overwatering.
Ohio Rain Gardens: A How to Guide
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
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`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
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Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Mill Creek Watershed, Ohio - Rain Gardens: A How to Guide
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
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Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
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Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
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Free School Gardening Art Posters =
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Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
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`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
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Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops and roads picks up pollution as it flows across the landscape. This polluted runoff is delivered directly to local streams and rivers, impacting water quality. Backyard rain gardens provide a solution by capturing runoff and allowing it to soak into the ground, where plants and soil filter out pollutants before the water reaches local waterways. Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with water-tolerant native plants. They are sited to receive runoff from downspouts or other sources and are sized based on the drainage area. Proper installation and maintenance, such as weeding and mulching, helps rain gardens function effectively.
This document provides information on designing and building an effective rain garden. It explains that rain gardens are landscaped areas that capture rainfall runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to soak into the ground rather than run off. The summary provides guidelines for properly sizing and locating a rain garden, preparing the soil, and selecting suitable native plants. Rain gardens are an example of low-impact development that helps protect water quality.
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This document summarizes water conservation strategies for landscaping, known as xeriscaping, and provides an overview of the current water restrictions in Victoria, BC due to drought conditions. It discusses designing gardens with drought-tolerant plants and efficient watering techniques like drip irrigation and mulching to reduce water usage. The document also outlines the Stage 3 water restrictions currently in effect in Victoria, which prohibit lawn watering and limit other outdoor water uses, with the goal of reducing consumption by 25-30% to stretch the remaining water supply.
The document provides instructions for sizing a rain garden based on measuring the drainage area, determining the slope and soil type, and using those factors to calculate the necessary size through formulas. Students will measure the hard surfaces and lawn areas draining into the garden. They use the slope measurement to determine garden depth and identify the soil type. Tables provide soil factors based on depth and type to multiply with the drainage area to obtain the sized needed for 100% runoff control. A worksheet guides working through each step.
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The document provides guidance on designing a rain garden for homeowners. It discusses what stormwater is, the benefits of rain gardens, and who should consider installing one. The workbook then walks through testing the soil type, compaction, and infiltration rate at the potential garden site. Calculations are shown for determining the depth of the rain garden depression based on infiltration rate, measuring slope, identifying the best location, calculating the drainage area, and sizing the garden based on drainage area and depth. The goal is to guide homeowners through the entire planning process to help ensure rain garden success.
Yard and Garden Water Management - Montana State UniversityFiorella58v
This document provides tips for efficient water management in yards and gardens. It recommends using native plant species that are adapted to the local climate, knowing your soil type and its water holding capacity, and practicing water conservation techniques like drip irrigation, mulching, and watering early in the morning or evening. Proper watering includes applying water slowly to avoid runoff, watering deeply but less frequently, and observing plants for signs they need water like wilting or dull colors.
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This document provides information on rainwater harvesting techniques. It discusses roof harvesting where rainwater is collected from house roofs through gutters and pipes into storage tanks. The first water during rains should be diverted to flush dust and debris, while later water can be collected. Runoff harvesting and floodwater harvesting are also briefly mentioned as other rainwater collection methods. Guidelines are provided on roof cleaning, gutter sloping, and basic system designs to collect and store rainwater for domestic and agricultural use.
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This document provides an introduction and overview of the City of Culver City's Rainwater Harvesting Program. The program aims to help homeowners capture rainwater from their roofs and redirect it to on-site pervious areas or rain barrels to reduce stormwater runoff. Harvesting rainwater provides benefits such as protecting water resources, reducing energy demands, practicing water conservation, and recharging groundwater supplies. The document outlines options for redirecting rainwater and provides guidance on assessing sites, measuring slopes, and installing rain barrels or building rain gardens to harvest rainwater on one's own property.
Stormwater planters are structures designed to capture, filter, and infiltrate or convey stormwater runoff. There are two main types: infiltration planters which allow water to seep into surrounding soils, and filtration planters which are lined to prevent infiltration and only cleanse stormwater before routing it to an approved disposal point. Planters provide stormwater management benefits and can be customized for different settings. They are sized based on the amount of runoff directed to them and factors like ponding depth and infiltration rate. Soils are typically amended to support plant life while allowing proper infiltration.
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This document provides a summary of key considerations for rainwater harvesting systems in small island Caribbean environments. It outlines the main components of a rainwater harvesting system including the catchment area, conveyance system, and storage. Formulas are provided to calculate the volume of water that can be captured from a roof catchment area. Guidelines aim to assist homeowners, contractors, and farmers in best practices for installing and operating rainwater harvesting systems.
An extensive green roof has less than six inches of growing medium and can support grasses and small shrubs, while an intensive green roof has 6-24 inches of medium and supports larger plants. A green roof absorbs up to half of rainfall and greatly increases roof insulation. Steps to install a green roof include adding a vapor barrier, insulation, waterproof membrane, drainage layer, growth medium, and selecting plants suited to the climate from a list provided. Cost is approximately $15-25 per square foot but reduces runoff and provides other benefits.
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1. The Vermont Rain Garden Manual
“Gardening to Absorb the Storm”
Helping to protect and restore Vermont’s rivers and lakes.
Winooski
Natural Resources
Conservation District
2. The Purpose of this Manual
This manual is a Vermont specific resource developed for
homeowners, landscape architects, city planners, or any-
one else interested in protecting local rivers and lakes
through gardening. It’s contents are designed to clarify
the installation process, demonstrate how rain gardens
are cost-effective stormwater management tools, and il-
lustrate how they can be incorporated into a variety of
landscapes.
Contents
This manual is broken into sections to illustrate the step
by step process in building a rain garden. The sections
include:
Choosing a Location…………..………...... p. 3
Sizing a Rain Garden………………..……. 4
Designing a Rain Garden………….……... 6
Installing a Rain Garden…………..……... 7
Care & Maintenance………..…….……..... 9
This manual also includes:
An introduction to Curb-Cut Rain
Gardens………………….……...……….... 10
The Vermont Rain Garden Plant List…...… 11
Sample Rain Garden Planting Plans…...…. 15
An explanation of how rain gardens relate
to the Vermont Stormwater Management
Manual …………………………………...... 18
Vermont Hardiness Zone Map……………. 20
Photographs of each rain garden plant are
arranged alphabetically throughout the manual
3. Acer Acorus Actaea Agalinis Agastache Agrostis Alchemilla Allium Alnus Amelanchier
rubrum americanus rubra purpurea foeniculum stolonifera mollis cernuum rugosa arborea
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a bowl-shaped garden designed to capture and absorb rainfall and snowmelt
(collectively referred to as “stormwater”). When stormwater runs off impervious surfaces such as
parking lots, roofs, compacted soils, and roads, it accumulates pollutants and delivers them to a
nearby lake or river either directly or via a storm drain. Stormwater pollutants typically include sedi-
ment; nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus); bacteria from animal waste; and oil, grease, and heavy
metals from cars. Stormwater also causes increased flooding, which erodes stream banks resulting
in additional problems. However, if captured by a rain garden, stormwater soaks into the ground
recharges the groundwater at a rate 30% greater than that of a typical lawn. Ultimately, if we all
work together to create landscape features that absorb the stormwater, we can restore and help
preserve the waterways that make Vermont so beautiful.
Choosing a Location
If capturing roof runoff, place the garden about 10 feet away from the
building to prevent potential water seepage into the basement.
Do not place a rain garden over a septic tank or leach field.
Build next to a house
Do not place a rain garden near a drinking water well.
Call Dig Safe® at 1-888-DIG-SAFE at least three days before digging to
avoid underground pipes and utilities.
Check for any private wiring or underground utilities such as driveway
lights and sheds with electricity. Build next to a road
Photo courtesy Connecticut NEMO
Select a flat area if possible to make installation easier.
Do not place the rain garden in a naturally wet area.
Avoid disturbing tree roots. Trees may be injured by digging and may
not tolerate the additional soil moisture.
Build next to a parking lot
Amorpha Andropogon Andropogon Anemone Aquilegia Aronia Aronia Arisaema Aruncus Asarum
canescens gerardii virginicus canadensis canadensis arbutifolia melanocarpa triphyllum dioicus canadensis
The Vermont Rain Garden Manual 3
4. Asclepias Asclepias Aster novae- Aster Astilbe Athyrium Baptisia Betula Boltonia Bouteloua
incarnata tuberosa angliae umbellatus spp. filix-femina australis nigra asteroides curtipendula
Sizing the Rain Garden (4 Steps)
Step 1: Drainage Area Step 2: Soil
To calculate the drainage area (the area that will drain to To determine if the soil type is suitable for a rain garden,
the rain garden) from a roof, parking lot, sidewalk, or first perform a simple pit test:
other impervious surface, multiply the length by the
width. 1. Dig a 6” deep hole and fill with water.
2. Choose a new location if the water is still standing
(Length) x (Width) = __________ ft2 (drainage area) after 24 hours.
After conducting the pit test, identify the soil type as
sand, silt, or clay. Sandy soils have the fastest infiltration;
clay soils have the slowest. Since clay soils take longer to
drain water, they require a larger rain garden area. You
can determine your soil type by performing the ribbon
test:
1. Grab a handful of moist soil and roll it into a ball in
Add together the drainage area Combine your roof runoff your hand.
of multiple roofs. with a neighbors’. 2. Place the ball of soil between your thumb and the side
of your forefinger and gently push the soil forward
with your thumb, squeezing it upwards to form a rib-
bon about ¼” thick.
Rain gardens can capture
stormwater from a drip- 3. Try to keep the ribbon uniform thickness and width.
line just as well as from a Repeat the motion to lengthen the ribbon until it
gutter system. breaks under its own weight. Measure the ribbon and
evaluate below:
North Dakota State University
The ribbon formed
here depicts a clay
Estimating the stormwater soil because it is
that runs off streets, side- greater than 1.5”
Courtesy of
walks, and parking lots can in length.
be tricky. It is best to visit
the impervious area during
a rain event to clearly see
SAND: Soil does not form a ribbon at all.
the extent of the drainage
area.
SILT: A weak ribbon < 1.5” is formed before breaking.
CLAY: A ribbon > 1.5” is formed.
Calamagrostis Caltha Camassia Campanula Carex Carex Carex Carex muskin- Carex Carpinus
acutiflora palustris leichtlinii americana flacca flaccosperma grayi gumensis vulpinoidea caroliniana
4 The Vermont Rain Garden Manual
5. Cassia Caulophyllum Celtis Cephalanthus Chelone Cimicifuga Cinna Clethra Clintonia Comptonia
hebecarpa thalictroides occidentalis occidentalis glabra ramosa latifolia alnifolia borealis peregrina
Step 3: Slope Benefits of a
Calculate the slope to determine the rain garden’s depth: Rain Garden
1. Place one stake at the uphill end of the rain garden and another at the downhill
end as illustrated in Figure 1. Are easy and inexpensive to
2. Level the string between the two stakes. Table 1 install and maintain
3. Measure the total length of the string and the height of Slope Depth
the string at the downhill stake in inches. < 4% 3-5 in Reduce stormwater runoff
4. Divide the height by the length and multiply the result 5-7% 6-7 in
by 100. This is the slope. Recharge groundwater
8-12% 8 in+
5. Use Table 1 to determine the recommended rain garden
depth. Help control flash flooding
Manual for Homeowners, UWEX
Adapted from Rain Gardens: A How-to
string must be level uphill
stake Provide wildlife habitat
downhill length
stake
Improve water quality
height
Help to sustain stream base
flows
Figure 1: Determine the slope of the landscape. Are an attractive alternative
to detention ponds
Step 4: Size Remove Pollutants
Finally, determine the rain garden’s size:
1. Use Table 2 to determine the size factor. Can be retrofit into existing
2. Multiply the size factor by the drainage area. This is the recommended rain garden urban landscapes
size.
Table 2 Depth
Soil Type 3-5 in 6-7 in 8 in +
Sand 0.19 0.15 0.08
Silt 0.34 0.25 0.16
Clay 0.43 0.32 0.20
___________ X _____________ = _______________
Size Factor Drainage Area Rain Garden Area
Note: If the rain garden is > 30 ft away from the drainage area then the area of the rain
garden can be a half size smaller than calculated above. This is because a large amount
of stormwater will be absorbed along the pathway that leads to the rain garden.
Convallaria Coreopsis Cornus Cornus Deparia Desmodium Dicentra Diervilla Dryoptera filix- Echinacea
majalis lanceolata amamum sericea acrostichoides canadense spectabilis lonicera mas x marginalis purpurea spp.
The Vermont Rain Garden Manual 5
6. Epilobium Erythronium Eupatorium Eupatorium Eupatorium Euthamia Filipendula Fraxinus Fraxinus Gaylussacia
angustifolium americanum coelestinum maculatum perfoliatum graminifolia rubra americana pennsylvanica baccata
Designing the Rain Garden (4 Steps)
Step 1: Determine the Shape Step 3: Select Plants
Your rain garden can be any shape but it MUST have a Plants must be able to tolerate the extreme moisture con-
level bed. ditions typical of a rain garden. When choosing plants it is
important to remember that rain gardens are not wet-
Step 2: Design the Entrance lands. Rain gardens mimic upland forest systems. Plants
Stabilize the area where the water en- that consistently require wet soils or standing water are
ters your rain garden with stone or not appropriate. Refer to The Vermont Rain Garden Plant
gravel to slow stormwater flow and List beginning on page 11 of this manual.
prevent erosion within the garden.
Place hardy plants that thrive in moist There are likely many more plants suitable for Vermont
conditions where the stormwater en- rain gardens than what is included in the plant list. To
ters the garden. evaluate the suitability of each additional plant, use the
following criteria: A suitable rain garden plant 1) is greater
Some common methods for directing water from the then 6” in height when mature and does not have low
drainage area to the rain garden include: basal leaves—these plants may struggle when overcome
by heavy flows; 2) can tolerate both wet and dry condi-
tions; and 3) can survive in the local hardiness zone. Refer
Gutter Extensions: Specifically shaped to the Plant Hardiness Zones in Vermont map included
to attach to the end of your down- on the back cover.
spout.
Step 4: Final Rain Garden Design Sketch
Complete a to-scale drawing of the rain garden before
breaking ground:
PVC & Plastic Corrugated Piping: Can
be attached to gutter extensions and
buried to carry stormwater under-
ground.
Grass-lined & Rock-lined Swales: Can
be used to direct water to the rain gar-
den. Swales should be sloped at a 2:1
ratio (1 ft rise for every 2 ft across).
Ideal for heavy flows from roads or
parking lots.
Gentiana Geranium Hamamelis Helenium Helianthus Heliopsis Hemerocallis Heuchera Hibiscus Hosta
‘Chocolate Ruffles’
andrewsii maculatum virginiana autumnale angustifolius helianthoides ssp. moscheutos ssp.
6 The Vermont Rain Garden Manual
7. Hydrophyllum Ilex Ilex Iris Isopyrum Juncus Juniperus Kalmia Liatris Lilium
virginianum glabra verticillata versicolor biternatum effusus virginiana latfolia spicata canadense
Installing the Rain Garden
Step 1: Define the Borders
Delineate the outline of the rain garden on the ground using string or spray
paint. The berm or edging will go outside the string.
Step 2: Remove the Grass
Build the berm with sod To avoid digging through sod, kill the grass first by laying black plastic or a
tarp on the lawn for several weeks. Using a herbicide is not recommended—
It could harm the newly installed plants.
Step 3: Start Digging
Building on a slope: If the rain garden is built on a slope, a berm or low wall
on the downhill side is required to increase the water holding capacity of the
garden. Create the berm while digging the rain garden by heaping the soil
around the edges where the berm will be (see figure 2). The berm height
should be level with the uphill side of the garden, therefore making the en-
Borders defined by an earthen berm tire perimeter of the garden the same height. After shaping the berm, com-
pact the soil and cover with sod, mulch, or a groundcover. Use straw or
other matting to protect the berm from erosion while the grass or ground-
cover takes root.
Building on level ground: If the rain garden is built on level ground, the profile
of the garden can vary depending on available space and aesthetic prefer-
ence. If space permits, the rain garden can have gently sloping sides (Figure
3). Note that soil conditions in the upper slope of this type of rain garden
may be too dry for a true rain garden plant to survive, therefore a variety of
upland plants might be appropriate here. If there is not a lot of space, then
Create a berm with landscaping stone
the profile in figure 4 might be appropriate. Only plants that can tolerate
very moist soil conditions should be planted in this type of rain garden. This
design is common in urban settings where a curb-cut is used to direct storm-
water into the garden. A berm does not need to be constructed in a rain gar-
den that is built on level ground because the stormwater is held in by the
depression that is dug. Excavated soil therefore should be removed from the
site. Landscaping stone, or other edging can be used to help hold water in
the garden as well as to prevent grass from growing into the bed. Tip: Think
about where stormwater will go when the rain garden overflows during a
very large storm. Design a slight dip in the berm/perimeter to direct potential
Borders defined by edging
overflow away from the neighbors’ yard or other priority area.
Lindera Lobelia Lobelia Lysimachia Matteuccia Mentha Mertensia Mimulus Mitella Mondarda
benzoin cardinalis spicata ciliate ssp. struthiopteris arvensis virginica ringens diphylla didyma
The Vermont Rain Garden Manual 7
8. Nyssa Onoclea Osmunda Osmunda Osmunda Ostraya Panicum Parthenium Penstemon Phlox
sylcatica sensibilis cinnamomea claytoniana regalis virginiana virgatum integrifolium digitalis divaricata
Before Digging
Adapted from Rain Gardens: A How-to Manual for Homeowners, UWEX
uphill
stake
downhill string
stake
remove dirt here
Figure 2: When building a rain garden on a slope,
a berm must be created to hold the water in the
After Digging uphill garden. When leveling the bed, use the dirt that
stake
downhill string you remove to build the berm.
stake old lawn surface
berm
add
dirt here
old lawn surface old lawn surface edging
edging
added compost
upper slope added compost
Figure 3: Level bed with sloping edges. This design re-
quires more space. Only plants that can thrive in drier soil Figure 4: Level bed without sloping edges. Ideal design
conditions can be planted on the upper slope of this type for tight spaces.
of raingarden; true rain garden plants will not thrive here.
Physocarpus Polemonium Poylgonatum Polystichum Pycnanthemum Quercus Quercus Quercus Ratibida Rhexia
opulifolius reptans biflorum acrostichoides virginianum bicolor palustris rubra pinnata virginica
8 The Vermont Rain Garden Manual
9. Rhododrendron Rhododrendron Rhododrendron Rosa Rodgersia Rudbeckia Salix Salix Salix Salvia
canadense maximum periclymenoides palustris henrici hirta discolor humuilis purpurea verticillata
Step 4: Level the Bed
Dig the rain garden bed 4-6” deeper than determined earlier to allow for the addition of
compost and mulch. Maintain the rain garden’s ability to absorb water by avoiding soil
compaction. Work from one side to the other, or from the center to the outside.
Loosen soil with a shovel if it becomes compacted. When the whole area has been dug
out to the approximate depth, lay a 2x4 board in the rain garden with the carpenter’s
level sitting on it. Adjust to form a flat bottom. When the rain garden is completely
Level the bed
level, rake the soil. Tip: Avoid digging and planting under wet conditions, especially
when working in clay soils—Disturbing wet soils can result in compaction.
Step 5: Improve the Soil
At least two inches of compost should be added to the rain garden and mixed into the
native soil. This helps the soil retain moisture and improve plant growth. Using a rotor-
tiller to mix in the compost will make the job much easier.
Improve the soil
Step 6: Plant
Set the plants out in the garden to match the planting plan. When removing the plants
for the pots, gently loosen the root ball with your fingers before placing them in the
ground. Water immediately after planting.
Step 7: Mulch
Plant Apply a 2-3” layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and discourage weeds. A cubic
yard of mulch will cover a 100 square foot area with about three inches of mulch.
Care & Maintenance
Water: New plants need to be watered regularly until their roots are established,
Mulch even though the rain garden catches stormwater.
Weed: Frequent weeding will be necessary in the first few years before plants be-
come established.
Mulch: To maintain the bowl-shaped profile and stormwater holding capacity of the
rain garden, mulching is not suggested until a few years after the initial installation.
Once the rain garden is established, mulch is not necessary, unless its more formal
appearance is preferred. When applying mulch, maintain a 2-3” layer.
Water
Sambucus Sanguinaria Sanguisorba Schizachyrium Soldago Sorghastrum Spirea Streptopus Thelypteris Thuja
canadensis canadensis tenuifolia scoparium ssp. nutans latifolia roseus noveboracensis occidentalis
The Vermont Rain Garden Manual 9
15. Sample Rain Garden Planting Plans
A well thought out planting plan will in-
crease the success rate of each plant and
will make installation easier. The place-
ment of each plant should be based on a
plant’s moisture tolerance, height, and
complimentary plant combinations. The
following planting plans are designed for
a 150 square foot rain garden. Each plant-
ing plan includes light exposure, a plant-
ing schedule, plant photos, a plant layout
diagram, and a sizing chart. The sizing
chart can be used to plan for gardens
greater or less than the 150 square foot
template provided. Recommended plant
installation sizes indicated in the planting
schedules include 1 gallon, 2 gallon, and
4” pots. Smaller plants can be installed if
needed; however, increase the quantity
of each plant and water and monitor the
rain garden more frequently.
The Enchanted Garden - Part Shade
Abr Qty Botanical Name Common Name Height Spread S. Interest Spacing Install Size
AD 8 Aruncis dioicus Goatsbeard 5’ 2-4’ Spring 22-30” 1-2 Gallon
ADI 11 Astilbe 'Diamant' Astilbe 30” 1.5-2’ Summer 22” 1 Gallon
CR 10 Cimicifuga ramosa 'Brunette' Purple-leaf Bugbane 3-4’ 2-3’ Sp, Su, Fall 22” 1 Gallon
EPM 14 Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ Coneflower 2.5-3’ 1-1.5’ Summer 15-22” 1 Gallon
HC 13 Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ Coral Bells 1-2’ 1-1.5’ Summer 15-22” 1 Gallon
OR 8 Osmunda Regalis Royal Fern 3-4’ 2-3’ Sp, Su, Fall 22-30” 1 Gallon
RH 8 Rodgersia henrici Rodgersia 3-4’ 3-4’ Summer 34-38” 1-2 Gallon
Sub. Rodgersia aesculifolia
AD ADI CR EPM HC OR RH
5 AD
8 EPM Sizing Chart
5 CR Sq Ft Qty of Total Ex. Garden
5 OR Diff. Species Plant Qty Dimensions
3 AD
8’- 3”
5 RH 4 ADI
6 EPM 50 3 24 6’ x 4’-6”
3 RH
100 5 48 8’-6” x 6’-4”
6 HC 5 CR 3 OR 7 HC 150 7 72 18’-2” x 8’-3”
4 ADI 200 7 96 12’ x 9’
3 ADI
250 7 120 13’-5” x 10’
10’ - 4” 7’ - 10”
The Vermont Rain Garden Manual 15
16. The Bird & Butterfly Meadow - Sun
Abr Qty Botanical Name Common Name Height Spread S. Interest Spacing Install Size
AT 7 Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Plant 1-2.5’ 1-1.5’ Summer 15-22” 1 Gallon
AN 6 Aster novae-angliae New England Aster 18” 1.5-2’ Fall 22” 1 Gallon
EP 14 Echinacea purpurea 'Alba' Coneflower 30” 1-2’ Summer 15-22” 1 Gallon
LCF 11 Lysimachia ciliate ‘Firecracker’ Fringed Loosestrife 1-3’ 2-2.5’ Summer 22-30” 1 Gallon
PV 16 Panicum virgatum Switch Grass 3-4’ 2-3’ Sp, Su, Fall 22-30” 1-2 Gallon
VH 10 Verbena hastate Blue Vervain 2-6’ 1-1.5’ Su, Fall 15-22” 4” Pot
10 LCF
10 PV AT AN EP LCF PV VH
6 PV Sizing Chart
Sq Ft Qty of Total Plant Ex. Garden
8’- 3”
6 VH 7 AT
Diff. Species Qty Dimensions
4 VH 50 4 21 6’ x 4’-6”
7 EP
6 AN
100 4 42 8’-6” x 6’-4”
10 LCF
7 EP 150 6 64 18’-2” x 8’-3”
8 LCF
200 6 85 12’ x 9’
10’ - 4” 7’ - 10” 250 6 106 13’-5” x 10’
The Bold Color Garden - Sun
Abr Qty Botanical Name Common Name Height Spread S. Interest Spacing Install Size
CAK 11 Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Feather Reed Grass 3-5’ 1.5-2’ Sp, Su, Fall 22-30” 1-2 Gallon
EP 16 Echinacea purpurea 'Alba' Coneflower 30” 1-2’ Summer 15-22” 1 Gallon
EM 5 Eupatorium maculatum Joe Pye Weed 4-6’ 2-4’ Summer 30” 1-2 Gallon
FR 5 Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' Queen of the Prairie 4-5’ 3-4’ Sp & Su 30” 1 Gallon
MD 14 Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline' Bee Balm 3’ 1-2’ Sp & Su 15-22” 1 Gallon
ST 5 Sanguisorba tenuifolia Japanese Burnet 4-5’ 1.5-2’ Su & Fall 22” 1 Gallon
Sizing Chart
CAK Sq Qty of Total Ex. Garden
EP EM FR MD ST
Ft Diff. Species Plant Dimensions
Qty
50 3 19 5’ x 10’
3 MD 5 ST
5 FR 5 MD 100 5 37 16’-8” x 6’
5 EM 150 7 56 21’-5” x 7’
7’
5 CAK 200 7 75 25’ x 8’
6 CAK
250 7 93 20’ x 12’-6”
12 EP
6 MD 4 EP
21’-5”
16 The Vermont Rain Garden Manual
17. The Native Woodland & Wildlife Garden - Part Shade
Abr Qty Botanical Name Common Name Height Spread S. Interest Spacing Install Size
AA 7 Acorus americanus Sweet Flag 3’ 1.5-2’ Sp, Su, Fall 22” 1 Gallon
AC 7 Anemone canadensis Windflower 1-2’ 2-2.5’ Spring 22-30” 1 Gallon
ACA 13 Aquilegia canadensis Columbine 2-3’ 1-1.5’ Spring 15-22” 1 Gallon
AF 11 Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern 2-3’ 1-1.5’ Sp, Summer 22” 1 Gallon
CT 12 Caulophyllum thalictroides Blue Cohosh 1-2’ 0.5-1’ Summer 22” 1 Gallon
CA 4 Cornus sericea ‘Arctic Fire’ Red Osier Dogwood 3-4’ 3-4’ Sp, Su, Fall 4-5’ 2-3 Gallon
LC 7 Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower 2-4’ 1-2’ Summer 22” 1 Gallon
7 ACA
5 AF
AA AC ACA AF CT CA LC
7 LC 2 CA
3 AC Sizing Chart
Sq Ft Qty of Total Plant Ex. Garden
Diff. Species Qty Dimensions
2 CA 7 AA
6 AF 50 3 20 8’ Diameter
6 AC
100 5 41 11’-4” Diameter
6 ACA 150 7 61 13’-9” Diameter
12 CT
200 7 82 16’ Diameter
250 7 103 17’-10” Diameter
13’-9”
Urban Curb-Cut Rain Garden - Sun/Part Shade
Abr Qty Botanical Name Common Name Height Spread S. Interest Spacing Install Size
CG 14 Carex flacca Blue Sedge 1-1.5’ 1-1.5’ Sp, Su, Fall 18” 1 Gallon
CM 24 Carex muskingumensis ‘Oehme' Variegated Palm Sedge 2-3’ 2-3’ Sp, Su, Fall 18” 1 Gallon
JE 27 Juncus effusus Common Rush 2-3’ 2-3’ Sp, Su, Fall 18” 1 Gallon
NS 1 Nyssa sylvatica Tupelo, Black Gum 35’ 25’ Fall - 2-2.5 Caliper
CF CM JE NS
CF
Sizing Chart
7’
Sq Ft Qty of Total Plant Ex. Garden
Diff. Species Qty Dimensions
50 2 19 5’ x 10’
100 2 to 3 37 16’-8” x 6’
150 4 56 21’-5” x 7’ 21’ - 5”
200 4 75 25’ x 8’
250 4 93 20’ x 12’-6”
The Vermont Rain Garden Manual 17
18. The Children’s Discovery Garden - Sun
Abr Qty Botanical Name Common Name Height Spread S. Interest Spacing Install Size
AF 12 Agastache foeniculum Lavender Hyssop 2-4’ 1.5-2.5’ Summer 18-24” 1 Gallon
AM 8 Alchemilla mollis Lady's Mantle 18-30” 1.5-2’ Spring 15-22” 1 Gallon
AC 20 Allium cernuum Nodding Onion 1-3’ 3-6” Spring 1’ 1 Gallon
AT 8 Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Plant 1-2.5’ 1-1.5’ Summer 15-22” 1 Gallon
AN 7 Aster novae-angliae New England Aster 18” 1.5-2’ Fall 22” 1 Gallon
BC 10 Bouteloua curtipendula Side-oats Grama Grass 1.5-2.5’ 1.5-2’ Su, Fall 22” 1-2 Gallon
HA 9 Helenium autumnale 'Moerheim Beauty' Sneezeweed 3-4’ 2-3’ Su. Fall 22-30” 1 Gallon
4 AM
5 AC
3 HA AF AM AC AT AN BC HA
5 BC
4 AN 3 HA
4 AF 4 AF Sizing Chart
8 AT Sq Ft Qty of Total Plant Ex. Garden
Diff. Species Qty Dimensions
4 AM 4 BC
3 HA 5 AN 50 3 22 8’ Diameter
100 5 45 11’-4” Diameter
5 AC 150 7 68 13’-9” Diameter
5 BC
4 AF 200 7 90 16’ Diameter
250 7 113 17’-10” Diameter
13’-9”
Rain Gardens and the Vermont Stormwater Management Manual Rain Gardens & Permitting
Property owners subject to a State Stormwater Permit can integrate rain gardens into their The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
stormwater management plan by following the guidelines listed in the Vermont Stormwater strongly supports the concept of rain gardens as
Management Manual (VSMM). Property owners that would require permits include residential an important means to both reduce overall storm-
and commercial developers developing 1 acre or more of impervious surfaces and members of a water runoff and to encourage infiltration. Cur-
home owners or condominium association in stormwater impaired watersheds that currently rently, as the result of an overly expansive defini-
have no or failing stormwater treatment systems. In the VSMM, “rain garden” is a laymen’s tion, the Agency's Underground Injection Control
term for a bio-retention system that treats what is called the water quality volume (0.9 inches of (UIC) rule would technically require a UIC permit
rain) of a storm event or around 90% of the annual rain fall. Rain gardens are designed to cap- for all rain garden projects. However the Agency
ture and temporarily store the water quality volume and infiltrate the stormwater through a soil has written and adopted a procedure that, in ef-
matrix bed designed to filter out pollutants. Rain gardens as described in this manual differ from fect, exempts: 1) residential rain gardens that cap-
the bio-retention systems in the VSMM because they are not designed to provide channel pro- ture roof runoff from a home and 2) non-
tection (Cpv) or extended detention (Qp) storage. residential rain gardens that capture stormwater
runoff from impervious surfaces (such as a parking
If stormwater runoff is collected from a road or parking lot, it will typically need to be pre- lot, school rooftop, street, etc) that encompass
treated prior to entering a rain garden. To prevent the rain garden from being clogged by excess less than 1 acre. It is important to note however,
sediment, the VSMM requires three forms of pretreatment including: 1) a grass filter strip below that any non-residential rain garden, regardless of
a level spreader or a grass channel before water enters the rain garden, 2) a gravel diaphragm size, must be registered with the Agency. Registra-
(similar to a curtain/french drain for even flow of water across the rain garden), and 3) a mulch tion is free and the form can be downloaded at
layer. Pretreatment is not required for rain gardens treating stormwater runoff from roofs. http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/ww/permits/
UICStormwaterRegistrationForm.pdf. A sample of
Rain gardens are encouraged in Section 3, Voluntary Stormwater Credits (VSC), of the VSMM
a completed registration form can be viewed at
(Volume I). VSC’s can be acquired when rain gardens are installed within a development. The use
http://www.vacd.org/winooski/
of VSC's can reduce the required water quality and recharge volumes, therefore reducing the
winooski_raingarden.shtml. Rain gardens de-
size and cost of the structural stormwater treatment practices. Such a reduction will help to
signed to capture stormwater runoff from an im-
reduce the overall stormwater treatment costs and space requirement. Specifically, rain gar-
pervious surface greater than 1 acre may be sub-
dens are encouraged for rooftop disconnects (Section 3.2) and non-rooftop disconnects such as
ject to a UIC permit. For more information about
driveways and sidewalks (Section 3.3), and for Environmentally Sensitive Rural Development
the UIC Program, visit http://www.anr.state.vt.us/
Credit (Section 3.6).
dec/ww/uic.htm…Happy Gardening!
18 The Vermont Rain Garden Manual
19. On the Web Written & Designed By:
Winooski Natural Resources
This manual can be viewed and downloaded for free at:
www.vacd.org/winooski/winooski_raingarden.shtml Conservation District:
Jessica Andreoletti
Additional Resources Technical Guidance:
Visit the Lake Champlain Sea Grant website to learn more
UVM Extension:
about rain gardens. The website includes educational ma-
terials that are available to view and print as well as infor-
Emma Melvin
mation about who, where, and when rain gardens were
installed in Vermont: www.uvm.edu/~seagrant Plant List:
Master Gardeners:
Information on tree selection, site assessment, tree plant-
ing, and care of young trees is available on the Vermont
Nancy Hulett, Marijke Niles, Don Hipes,
Urban and Community Forestry Program’s website: and Karl Doerner
www.vtcommunityforestry.org
Contributors:
For gardening information contact the UVM Extension
Master Gardener HELPLINE 1-800-639-2230
Winooski Natural Resources
(656-5421 in Chittenden County) Conservation District:
master.gardener@uvm.edu Anna Farmer
www.uvm.edu/mastergardener
UVM Extension:
References Kate Forrer, Bethany Hanna
Bannerman, R., E. Considine, and J. Horwatich, Rain Gar-
dens: A How To Manual for Homeowners, UWEX Publica- Vermont Agency of Natural Resources:
tions GWQ 037. University of Wisconsin-Extension, 2003 Karen Bates, Danielle Fitzko, Jim Pease
Kloss, C., and C. Calarusse, Rooftops to Rivers: Green strate-
gies for controlling stormwater and combined sewer over- Nordland Studio Landscape Architecture:
flows, Natural Resources Defense Council, 2006 Deina Luberts
Pellett, N. E., and M. C. Starrett, Landscape Plants for Ver- Kathleen Ryan, Landscape Architect
mont, University of Vermont, 2002
Fitzgerald Environmental:
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Stormwa-
ter Management Manual, Volume I and Volume II, 2002
Evan Fitzgerald
Wilson, L., and M. Gilbertson, Adding a Rain Garden to Your Eco Solutions:
Landscape, bulletin 2702 of the Landscapes for Maine se- Dave Whitney
ries. Orono, ME: University Maine Cooperative Extension,
2006
Plant Photo Credits
With permission, the rain garden plant list photos were
primarily provided by the following organizations:
Missouri Botanic Garden Plantfinder:
www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Alpha.asp
USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database, National Plant Data
Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA, 2007:
http://plants.usda.gov
Knoll Gardens: http://www.knollgardens.co.uk/
The Vermont Rain Garden Manual 19
20. The following businesses have demonstrated a commitment to
Plant Hardiness Zones in Vermont protecting our local waterways by providing funding support and
by committing to carry rain garden specific plants and supplies and/
Average annual minimum temperatures or provide technical assistance:
Round River Design, LLC.
Michael Blazewicz
michael@roundriverdesign.com
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: 802-279-0478
Web: www.roundriverdesign.com
Elmore Roots Nursery
"If it grows in Elmore it will grow where you are."
631 Symonds Mill Rd
Elmore, VT 05680
802-888-3305
elmoreroots.com
This map is adapted
from the U.S. Plant
Hardiness Zone Map
Zone Temperature
3b - 30o to - 35o
4a - 25o to - 30o 175 Schillhammer Rd,
-20 o
to - 25 o Jericho, VT 05465
4b
802-899-5123
5a - 15o to -20o www.arcana.ws
5b - 10o to -15o RAIN GARDEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
VERMONT PROVENANCE HERBACEOUS PLANTS
Primary Funders
This work is sponsored in part by:
Lake Champlain Sea Grant, NOAA
National Sea Grant College Program,
US DoC. ~The Cooperative State Re- 315 Plains Road, Westford, VT 05494
search, Education, and Extension Email: dave@ecosoldesigns.com
www.ecosoldesigns.com
Service, US Department of Agricul-
tel: 802-598-6297
ture, under Agreement No. 204-
51130-03108 ~ The Environmental P.O. Box 153, Orwell, VT 05760
Protection Agency ~ Chittenden email: dredondo@vermontwetlandplants.com
bank ~ South Burlington High School www.vermontwetlandplants.com
tel: 802-948-2553