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Rain gardens are beautiful natural looking gardens
that capture storm water runoff and allow it to slowly seep
into the ground. By capturing runoff, rain gardens decrease
erosion, help recharge underground aquifers, protect near
by lakes and streams from harmful pollutants and sediment,
and can lower the risk of local flooding.
When constructed properly,
stormwater soaks into a rain garden within 24 - 48
hours, elimintating concerns about mosquitoes and
standing water. The runoff is cleansed by bacteria associated
with plant roots and the settling out of pollutants. These
functional gardens may be easily incorporated into a residential
landscape (follow our Handbook for Master
Gardeners for guidelines).
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Rain garden painting by Michigan artist Ruth
Zachary, www.raingardens.org
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Alexander City Demonstration Rain Gardens
Constructed July 2004 in partnership with the City of Alexander
City, Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership, AU Landscape Architecture
Department, Lake Watch of Lake Martin, and Alabama Cooperative Extension
System.
Radney Middle School, July 2004 |
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Radney Middle School, July 2005 |
Radney Middle School, July 2004 |
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Radney Middle School, July 2005 |
Benjamin Russell High School, July 2004
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Benjamin Russell High School, July 2004, planted
by the Junior Master Gardeners |
Residential Rain Gardens Resources
Residential
Rain Garden Handbook for Alabama (PDF file) 
New!
Tips
for sizing a Rain Garden (MS Word)
Tips
for planting a Rain Garden (MS Word)
Vegetation Information
Vegetation Suggestions for Rain Gardens: Piedmont
and Coastal
(MS Word)
Tennessee
Valley Authority Plant Selector
Local
Native Plant Nurseries (please email us with suggested additions)
Alabama Nurserymens Association: Listing
By Plant (PDF)
Visit our web page on Low Impact Development
or our Rain Garden resource page for
more information
Download Rain
Garden brochure (PDF)
Advanced Master Gardener Rain Garden Training
Check the Alabama
Master Gardener Home Page for announcements of advanced trainings
around the state.
Please contact Eve Brantley
or Kerry Smith for specific
information on upcoming Rain Garden trainings.
Alabama
Master Gardeners Home Page
Alabama
Watershed Restoration Home Page
Alabama
Stormwater Education Home Page
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