Rain gardens are an effective approach for reducing storm water runoff and can help recharge groundwater. Rain gardens can also be implemented in conjunction with RainReserve rain barrels. Initially, water exiting through a downspout would be captured in the rain barrel. Once the barrel is full, excess rainwater is sent through the downspout and can be trained to flow into a rain garden area, either by using a downspout extender or by landscaping to drain into the rain garden.

Resources for planning and planting a rain garden are listed below.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Sue Ellingson's Rules for Rain Gardens

UW-Extension Rain Garden Information
UW-Extension offers an on-line how to guide for creating a rain garden, as well as information on how rain gardens improve water quality.