Rain Gardens 

A rain garden is a landscape feature that is designed to direct runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops and driveways to a depression where the water can be slowed down and filtered.  They also help reduce the volume of storm water that leaves a property by promoting infiltration.

A pdf copy of the Ohio Rain Garden Manual is linked below and contains everything you need to know about designing and installing a rain garden.  The manual also provides a list of native plants that are well-suited for rain gardens and includes information about their bloom time, bloom color, light requirements and height. Rain gardens function best when planted with native plants that have been selected for their suitability to occasionally wet conditions. Additionally, Ohio native plants have co-evolved with local fauna and support wildlife including birds, bees, butterflies and other important wildlife species.

If you find calculations and written instructions intimidating, we have also provided a link to four recorded videos created by the Portage Park District and Portage SWCD staff.  Remember, any size rain garden can contribute to solving local water quality problems and can also be a beautiful addition to your property!