Choose plants based on need for light, moisture, and soil. Vary plant structure,

height, and flower color for seasonal appeal and butterfly habitat.

A typical rain garden is between 4 and 8 inches deep. This depth, proportional to surface area, helps ensure water will

infiltrate quickly and not pond longer than 3 days.

A good soil mix for rain gardens is 65% sand and 25% compost. In heavier soils, gravels

and stone may be added to improve infiltration.

Often located near down spout as a buffer between

the lawn and the street.

A rain garden is typically 5 – 10% of the impervious surface that generates runoff.

Avoid the area over a septic system.The garden must include an overflow outlet that will transport excess rainfall to a proper

location (not your neighbors lawn!).

Dams & swales integrated into a whole farm water catchment system.

Refugee camp in Macedonia

The Beginning…