City of Madison

What is a rain garden?

Rain gardens are specially-designed gardens that collect and infiltrate stormwater from impervious areas such as roofs, driveways, and heavily-compacted lawns.

Rain gardens are usually planted with native vegetation, though ornamentals may also be used. They can look as manicured or as natural as the gardener chooses.

The gardens are usually designed to be 6-8 inches deep, in order to retain stormwater long enough for it to infiltrate into the ground.

Maintenance is similar to that of any garden. The first couple of years require regular weeding, but once established, the native plants tend to crowd out most weeds.

Building rain gardens is a great way for individuals to get involved in improving our lakes and streams.

rain garden planting plans (pdf)

Rain Garden Designs

FULL SUN

Formal

• Easy Does It
• Packer Pride
• Sparkler
• Tangled Up In Blue

Informal

• Butterfly Garden
• Cool Colors
• Fireworks

 PARTIAL SHADE

Formal

• Easy Does It
• Packer Pride

Informal

• Color-Full
• Serenity Now
• Something Sweet

FULL SHADE

Formal

• Gotta Have Shades

Informal

• Green with Envy
• Made in the Shade

 

Plant Lists By Sun Preference

• Full Sun
• Part Shade
• Full Shade

 

Plant Lists By Height

• Short (up to 24 inches)
• Medium (24- 48 inches)
• Tall (48 inches +)
  

Building a rain garden

• WI DNR Rain Gardens

Includes plant lists, pictures, and how-to info

• NRCS Rain Garden brochure

Lots of great information

• Rain Garden Network
• Rain Garden Standard 1009

 

BROCHURES (PDF)

• Rain Gardens: A how-to manual for homeowners

• How to Build a Rain Garden

city projects

• 1,000 Rain Gardens
• Terrace Rain Garden Program
• Adams Street Rain Gardens
• Rain Garden Study (USGS)
• City of Madison Rain Garden Specification-Commercial Sites