Raingardens

What is a raingarden? 

A raingarden is slightly concave and planted where it will collect stormwater as it runs off of parking lots, rooftops and roads. Raingardens soak water into the ground so that it doesn't run off and pollute local lakes and rivers. They help to recharge groundwater supplies and reduce parking lot flooding and erosion.

Raingardens come in all shapes, sizes and styles. They can be highly manicured or wild and wooly. They can feature native plants, deep-rooted garden store varieties, or even shrubs and trees. Because they absorb water within 1-2 days, raingardens don't breed mosquitoes and they're usually not wet.

Blue Thumb Resources  The Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water Program is your first stop for  raingarden information. Find  a "how-to" video, the Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens, a project cost calculator, a plant selector tool and links to local nurseries and landscaping companies.   Blue Thumb is public-private partnership that includes more than 65 partners promoting native gardens, raingardens and shoreline plantings in Minnesota and the upper midwest. Businesses specializing in landscaping, habitat restoration, development and water management are welcome to become partners.   Raingarden Designs Use these designs from Maplewood to create a simple raingarden for your business.   Butterfly Daylily Prairie Shady Shrub Sunny Sunny border   The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens has several garden designs as well.

Proof that raingardens work Raingardens help to reduce stormwater volume and keep pollutants out of lakes and rivers. See these studies for more info.   Burnsville Raingarden Study USGS Raingarden Study Maplewood Lessons Learned  Raingardens at Businesses Raingardens can spruce up your landscaping and reduce flooding in parking lots, sidewalks and turf areas.   Check out these examples for inspiration. Valley Ridge Mall - Stillwater Stillwater Country Club Eagan Community Center     Raingarden Maintenance 101 Raingardens require no more maintenance than other plantings, but this short and entertaining video will walk you through the basics.   Refer to the BMP Assessment Manual for more detailed information or use one of these operations and maintenance plans. Maplewood O&M Plan Cottage Grove P&R Maintenance Plan Brown's Creek O&M Agreement