Rain Gardens

Stormwater runoff picks up pollution (fertilizer, pesticides, sediment, motor oil, litter, and pet and yard waste). That pollution is then carried to local streams and rivers. Rain gardens are shallow depressions that capture and filter stormwater runoff and the pollution it carries. The gardens are also a fun and inexpensive way to improve water quality and enhance the beauty of your yard or business.

Rain gardens are placed between stormwater runoff sources (roofs, driveways, parking lots) and runoff destinations (storm drains, streets, streams). Rain gardens allow soil and plants to filter pollutants from the water; help runoff to soak into the ground and decrease flooding; provide habitat for wildlife; and add beauty to your property

Videos: How to Install a Rain Garden

The short videos below cover the steps involved in building your own rain garden. The first video is an introduction describing the process, and the other four give detailed instructions for each step: (1) selecting a site, (2) testing the soil, (3) digging and filling, and (4) adding native plants. The videos were produced by Maryland Sea Grant Extension for Angie’s List and for Maryland Sea Grant stakeholders, with funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Joe King filmed and edited the videos.