Rain Gardens
Together We Can Make a Difference
What is it?
How does it work?
Benefits
Can I make one?
Which plants should I use? How big
does the garden need to be?
Is it expensive?
Do rain
gardens provide a breeding ground for mosquitos?
How can I get started?
Related Links
- What is it?
- Rain gardens are shallow, landscaped depressions that capture rain
water that runs off roofs and/or pavement.
- How does it work?
When it rains, stormwater from your roof or
pavement is directed to the rain garden. The garden allows the water to
slowly filter and soak into the ground. This reduces the amount of runoff
that flows into streets, which normally picks up pollutants along the way
before it washes into storm drains.
Benefits
- The rain water they collect slowly soaks into the ground. An average
sized rain garden in Sacramento can potentially retain thousands of
gallons of water every year.
- They can be landscaped with plants that produce beautiful flowers
and shrubs.
- They provide habitat for birds and butterflies. Select plants that
attract beneficial insects and birds.
- Can I make one?
- Yes—anyone can make a rain garden. Your family, neighbors, and friends can
help you with the project. You can also hire a professional landscaping
company to help you with the labor.
- Which plants should I use?
- We strongly
recommend using native drought-tolerant plants because they require less water, have a
higher tolerance for pest damage, and are easier to maintain. All these
factors save you time and money in the long run. See How can I get started
for information on suitable plants.
- How big does the garden need to be?
- Every size helps in reducing stormwater runoff. For recommendations, see How
can I get started for information on sizing.
- Is it expensive?
- Rain gardens don't have to be expensive. You can save money by doing
the labor yourself. The most expensive item will be the purchase of the
plants. You can minimize this cost by using native plants from seed or using
plants that already exist in your yard.
- Do rain gardens provide a breeding
ground for mosquitoes?
- No. Mosquitoes typically need 7 to 12 days to
complete their breeding cycle during the winter; 6 to 7 days during the
warmer months. Standing water in the rain garden only lasts for a few hours
after most storms.
- How can I get started?
- Here are some resources that will
help you design and build a rain garden:
- Do you have a question or comment?
Contact us
- Additional Information
-
Regional Water Authority
— http://www.rwah2o.org/rwa/
UC Davis Master Gardeners —
http://groups.ucanr.org/sactomg/
UC Integrated Pest Management
—
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/
State Water Resources Control Board-Low Impact Development —
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/low_impact_development/
- Groundwater Elevations
www.msa.saccounty.net/waterresources/files/Files.asp?c=elev
- Soil and Hauling Companies
Soil Companies
www.sacgreenteam.com/recycle/construction.htm
www.illegaldumping.saccounty.net/haulers.asp
- Plant Resources
www.sacramentostormwater.org/SSQP/Riverfriendly/Documents/RiverFriendly_Guidelines.pdf
groups.ucanr.org/sactomg/
- Nurseries
www.sacvalleycnps.org
www.cornflowerfarms.com
www.hedgerowfarms.com
www.hartlandnursery.com
- Irrigation Assistance
www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/lists/irr_partners.htm
California Department of Water Resources, Office of Water Use Efficiency
— www.owue.water.ca.gov
Jess Stryker's Irrigation Tutorials Online —
www.irrigationtutorials.com
Lori Palmquist's Water Conservation Webpage —
www.loripalmquist.blogspot.com
Other Programs
clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/raingarden
www.dof.virginia.gov/rfb/rain-gardens.shtml
www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/wm/nps/rg/links.htm
Note: The
information provided on this website is intended for homeowners only and not
for multifamily/commercial developments. Rain gardens do not qualify for
stormwater quality treatment requirements.
Acknowledgements: The Sacramento County Stormwater Quality Program
would like to thank the following people for their input:
- the U.C. Davis Master Gardeners
- Lucie Adams
- Eric Berntsen and Laurel Warddrip of the California State Water
Resources Control Board
|
|
