Rain gardens are attractive landscape features that reduce storm runoff, filter out pollutants, and recharge groundwater. Heavy rain and excess garden water collect in the basin-like feature and slowly absorb into the ground instead of running off into nearby storm drains or streams, carrying away topsoil and nutrients and polluting the water.
Constructing a Rain Garden
An effective rain garden is built with a shallow swale within a low-lying area. This saucer-shaped depression should be between 12 and 18 inches deep and is planted with water-tolerant plants. When properly planted and maintained, a rain garden will:
Improve groundwater recharge
Control stormwater runoff
The plants and soil within a rain garden will absorb:
Excess fertilizer and pesticides
Excess oils (hydrocarbons)
Bacteria
Turf Love’s Garden Love Rebate Program
The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) can provide cost-share assistance to property owners in James City County to help offset the cost of constructing a rain garden. For more information about the program, please visit the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) VCAP website.