Rain Gardens Keeping Water on the Land

A rain garden is a low area that absorbs and filters rain water runoff that comes from roofs, sidewalks, and driveways. Rain runs off the hard surfaces, collects in the shallow depression, and slowly soaks into the soil. They are usually planted with colorful native plants and grasses.

Why

Conserves Water - Rain water helps plants grow and reduces the need for watering.
Protects Water Quality - Plants help filter pollutants like: chemicals from the roofing tile, fertilizer, and litter from the sidewalk.
Helps Reduce Flooding and Erosion - Runoff collects in the low area and soaks into the soil instead of rapidly washing into creeks

How

Rain gardens come in all shapes and sizes, every little bit helps.

Fact Sheet: Six Easy Steps to Build a Rain Garden
Presentations
- Rainscape Project Design
- Rain Garden Components and Plant Selection
- Video: Rain Gardens in Austin, 2012 Landscape Professional Training Presentation
- Webinar: The Reilly Elementary School Stormwater Retrofit: Water as a Resource and Education Tool, 2019 Texas Parks and Wildlife - Texas Waters Webinar

Resources

Waterwise Rainscape Rebate
Austin ISD
- Signage - WPD will provide an interpretive sign for Austin school campuses that install and register a campus rain garden. Email us to request a sign.
University of Texas Partnership
Lesson Plans
Local Grants
- Austin Parks Foundation
- City of Austin Neighborhood Partnering Program - projects in the City's right of way or on City-owned property
- City of Austin Bright Green Future Grants - Competitive grant program for Austin schools

Featured Programs