Rain Gardens
Together We Can Make a Difference
What is it?
How does it work?
Benefits
See an example
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 mosquitoes?
How can I get started?
Rebate Application
Related Links
- Rain gardens are shallow, landscaped depressions that capture rain
water that runs off roofs and/or pavement.
-
- 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.
- 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.
- The new Animal Care Facility located at 3839 Bradshaw Road includes
a rain garden for public view. It is located at the front entry to the
facility and has an identifying sign that describes what it is and how
it works.
- 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.
- 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.
- Every size helps in reducing stormwater runoff. For recommendations, see How
can I get started for information on sizing.
- 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.
- You can save additional money by applying for
the Rain Garden Rebate. See
below for more details. You can save up to 50% on the cost of installing
a rain garden at your home.
- 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.
- Here are some resources that will
help you design and build a rain garden:
- Application for Rebate
- Certification
- Rain Garden Sketch
Plant List
-
Water Purveyors (contacts for
your “water wise house call”)
Do you have a question or comment?
Contact us
-
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/RFL/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
