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.
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.
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 (choose ones that can also tolerate wetness) 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.
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.
