What is a rain garden? This bright idea might just be the best solution for a waterlogged yard

A rain garden is a clever landscaping idea designed to capture and absorb excess rainwater. This is particularly effective in areas of high rainfall, or in locations and backyards where drainage is an issue. 

Put simply, a rain garden is much like a pond or bog garden, with a shallow, sloping ditch excavated in the yard, meaning that when there is heavy rainfall or storms, there is a natural course for the water to flow and fill. 

Directing the water to this area prevents it from flowing elsewhere, and causing any water or flooding damage to other areas of the yard, such as a waterlogged lawn.

Whilst only temporary, until the rain water slowly drains away through the soil, incorporating a rain garden area to your backyard can add something unique to your outdoor space. Not only is it practical, but when planted with native vegetation, this habitat will support biodiversity, enhancing the ecological value of your backyard. 

Think native grasses and flowers, humming with insect and pollinator activity. Your very own wildlife sanctuary in your backyard - and here is how to do it. 

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is designed to capture and absorb excess rainwater in areas of high rainfall or in locations where drainage is an issue. Not only is this a practical design idea, but it can have significant environmental benefits too. 

Why is a rain garden a good idea?

'Rain gardens are an ideal way to conserve water and maximize the benefits of rainfall,' says Fern Berg, tree expert and found of Tree Vitalize. 

A rain garden is simply an area in your backyard that has been landscaped to collect rainwater and hold it for a limited amount of time, to enable the water to slowly drain away. 

'By capturing and slowing storm water runoff, rain gardens may also help to reduce flooding in urban areas,' Fern says. This is particularly true in built-up areas with impervious surfaces, such as pavements, driveways and patios, easing the pressure on waterlogged backyards. 

Directing the water to the rain garden, and allowing it to drain away slowly into the ground, will prevent rain and storm water from damaging your yard and home. 

'Installing rain gardens in your backyard can be good not only for the health of our waterways but also for the natural world,' says Fern. 'As our green spaces become overdeveloped, rain gardens will become vital.' 

Fern Berg

Fern is a plant and tree expert, and the founder of Tree Vitalize. Fern has planted and currently cares for over 100 different native and exotic fruit, nut, and ornamental trees. She also cultivates an extensive vegetable garden, several flower gardens and cares for an ever-growing happy family of indoor plants.

The benefits of having a rain garden

There are several benefits to installing a rain garden in your backyard. The principal advantage is to divert rain and storm water, limiting waterlogging in places where drainage is an issue. 

In addition to this, there are numerous ecological benefits. For example, a 'well-planted rain garden can provide habitats for a diverse range of wildlife including beneficial insects and pollinators,' Fern says. 

'Aside from reducing water runoff, they are vital for pollinators,' says Jen McDonald, garden expert and a co-founder of Garden Girls. 'They protect birds, butterflies and bees by providing habitat and food.' 

This area of your garden could become a natural, wild section of your backyard. Whilst many of us enjoy gardening and tending to our plot, allocating a section of your yard where native plants, weeds and animals are slightly more free, and left to their own devices, is certainly a good thing, and incorporating a rain garden into your outdoor space is one way to achieve this.

Jen McDonald

Jen McDonald is a garden expert and co-founder of Garden Girls, LLC, based in Houston, TX. With 14 raised garden beds and 400 square feet of garden space, Jen grows cut flowers to peanuts, amaranth to okra, and everything in between.

Planting ideas for a rain garden

'The best plants to choose for rain gardens are those native to your growing zone,' says Jen. 'Native plants are able to withstand temperature swings and very wet to very dry conditions. They’re also hardier and require little care,' Jen continues. 

Whilst this will vary greatly depending on your location, speaking to local garden stores and local plant growers will help you to identify what species will suit your rain garden. 

Fern recommends finding 'perennial native grasses and blooms,' many of which are hardy and tolerant of drought and wet weather. 'Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata, is one of my favorites,' Fern says, seen above in the image here. 'With pretty pink flowers, it is an important food source for the monarch caterpillar.'

'Swamp Milkweed will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden, is deer resistant and will thrive in wet conditions but can also tolerate dryer conditions once established,' Fern says. Planting clumps of swamp milkweed along the side of your new rain garden is a great option for those looking for impactful flowers and a haven for wildlife. 

This is just one example of how using the right plant for the right place is preferable. Planting native species that will thrive in your environment will certainly be beneficial to your home, yard and for birds and animals too. 

FAQs

Can I install a rain garden myself?

Whilst you might consider installing a rain garden yourself, it is always recommended to seek out help and assistance from a landscaper who will be able to advise on the most suitable location to excavate in your backyard. Depending on the scale of your proposed rain garden, this may be a very quick process or could take a significant amount of digging and removal of earth. 

Working with, not against, your garden and backyard is important, and installing a rain garden can help ease drainage issues and introduce a new area to your plot, full of native planting. 

If drainage and waterlogging are an issue, consider also installing a French drain, to redirect water to a more permeable area and prevent flooding.