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1. What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a vegetated basin that allows water to both infiltrate through the soils into the groundwater and be absorbed by plant roots as opposed to collecting in a concentrated flow and traveling offsite to a ditch or storm sewer inlet.

2. What types of plants are used in a rain garden?

Native wild flowers, hedges, rushes, ferns and shrubs are often used in rain gardens. Many plants installed in rain gardens are also used in typical landscape applications. Vegetation used in rain gardens must be tolerant of both saturated and dry soil conditions.

3. What are the benefits of a rain garden?

A rain garden promotes water infiltration and recharges groundwater, thus reducing runoff and reducing potential pollutants entering the waterways. They are aesthetically pleasing and inviting to wildlife habitat such as butterflies and birds. Another advantage of rain gardens is low maintenance; once established, rain gardens are nearly maintenance free.

4. Will a rain garden encourage mosquito growth?

No, a rain garden should completely drain within 24 hours. A rain garden is not a water pond!