What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a shallow depression designed to capture stormwater runoff and allow it to slowly infiltrate into the soil. It is planted with perennials, grasses and/or shrubs that tolerate wet and dry conditions. The plants transpire water, releasing it to the atmosphere, and help remove pollutants. If sited and constructed properly, water infiltrates within 1-2 days and does not sustain mosquitos.
View a Video: How Do I Build A Rain Garden?
View a Slide Set on Residential Rain Garden Installation
Some Rain Garden Design Examples:
Portsmouth, NH Rain Garden Design
Portsmouth, NH Rain Garden Installation
Hampton, NH Rain Garden Design
Additional Resources
- Soak up the Rain NH (NH DES)
- New Hampshire Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management: Do-it-yourself Stormwater Solutions for Your Home
- Native Plant Selection for Biofilters and Rain Gardens - Ecological Landscape Newsletter
- Rain Gardens: Managing Roof Runoff in your Backyard - Maine DES
- Adding a Rain Garden to Your Landscape - Maine Coop. Extension
- Rain Gardens - Sustainable Landscape Series -Univ. of Delaware
- Vermont Rain Garden Manual
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