Rain Gardens

Enduring, natural landscapes with purpose.

Rain gardens are common in many communities, both in public and private spaces. They’re the installations of native shrubs, perennials, and other vegetation planted within depressions in the landscape, usually along a natural slope. A rain garden is designed to allow a large portion of stormwater runoff to soak into the ground rather than rush by, which can cause erosion and other issues downstream.

As the most universally accessible form of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), a rain garden can be easily added to nearly any landscape. Adding this technology creates additional pervious surface — especially in urban communities — and is engineered to manage very specific volumes of water. The result: decreased velocity of flow, less flooding, and fewer pollutants getting to municipal infrastructure and your local waterways (streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans).

'Green Ribbon' GSI Option

Rain gardens are the most accessible and affordable form of green stormwater infrastructure. They can be added to any residential project, creating a whole world of opportunity. We’re proud to give this solution our ‘Green Ribbon’ designation.

Rain Garden Benefits

Stormwater Management

Rain gardens provide some of the most accessible ways to manage stormwater. As part of the stormwater treatment train, a rain garden can be installed to dramatically slow the rate and volume of stormwater runoff.

Reduced Standing Water

Since a rain garden typically only holds water in a designated location during and immediately following a rainfall, it helps to decrease the amount of standing water on a residential or commercial site. And less standing water means reduced breeding grounds for pesky mosquitoes.

Habitat Creation

A rain garden uses native materials that are found in your surrounding area, bringing them together to consciously take advantage of their natural functions and abilities. This creates habitats for wild mammals, birds, butterflies, and insects, while also providing an added opportunity for pollination.

Improved Water Quality

A rain garden works to filter the runoff pollution that primarily comes from rooftops, streets, parking lots, and lawns. By allowing more stormwater to seep into the ground, it effectively recharges local groundwater (or in some cases the water is held until it evaporates or transpires via plant material). A rain garden is the easiest way for you to personally contribute to protecting your nearby streams and lakes, and enjoy clean water in your community.

Flooding & Drainage Protection

With a reduction in stormwater runoff volume and velocity of flow, there’s less chance of backed up stormwater and combined sewage overflow systems (CSOs) [link to CSO definition on FAQ page]. This means drains can operate the way they’re supposed to, avoiding costly floods.

Beautified Green Spaces

The addition of a rain garden enhances the aesthetics of any outdoor area. Whether they’re installed in yards, neighborhoods, parks, or in commercial settings, they add green beauty to a space.

Project Spotlight

Belt Line Center

At Inhabitect, we helped this owner receive over $1 million in financing and installed Michigan’s first PACE-funded green roof project in Detroit.

Take A Closer Look >

Let’s Talk

Interested in Green Stormwater Infrastructure? Rain gardens are the most accessible form of GSI and can work at almost any scale — in some cases, even in DIY applications. Click to schedule a time to talk with us about your rain garden project or questions.

Inhabitect is a full-service firm dedicated to designing, building, and growing all forms of living architecture. Based in Traverse City, Michigan — and consulting throughout North America — we create green roofs, natural shorelines, and other stormwater management and eco-minded landscape solutions for clients across the state. We’re bringing a new meaning to ‘GREEN.’

RAIN GARDENS