What They Are

Raingardens are landscaped depressions designed with specific soil characteristics that are gaining popularity as stormwater filtration and retention devices in lieu of more traditional civil engineering methods. They are a part of a new approach to stormwater management termed Low Impact Development (LID). In low impact development, the landscape component of the project is integral to the stormwater management design, enhances water storage, and attenuates storm flows (Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for the Puget Sound). Rain gardens are aesthetically pleasing, providing beautification to commercial and residential landscaping while at the same time treating and slowing down stormwater flows in a way that mimics natural systems. Continue reading →