Summary

Rain gardens are shallow-planted depressions that capture runoff from roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces and soak it into the ground. This Tennessee homeowner guide explains how rain gardens reduce flooding, erosion, and water pollution while adding beauty and wildlife habitat. It covers choosing a safe site, testing soil drainage, sizing and shaping the garden, selecting native plants for wet-to-dry zones, and building inlets/overflow to prevent erosion. Step-by-step worksheets, designs, and plant lists help with long-term maintenance.