Planting a Successful Rain Garden - Part 1: Choosing a Location

Natalie Britton

Planning a rain garden can feel like a daunting process at the beginning, but three months ago we had never done a soil infiltration test, and we couldn’t name more than a handful of Michigan native plants.

Liliana Holyfield

Now, we’re certified Master Rain Gardeners and have each designed, dug, and implemented a rain garden! It just takes curiosity, thoughtfulness, and willingness to ask for help. We’ve found that the native gardening community is full of people that are eager to help you start out on your own – whether that’s giving you some of their plant starts or helping you dig up the space for your garden.

Be on the lookout for local plant sales, volunteer events, social posts, and GSI initiatives in your county to get connected.  

Happy gardening! 

Natalie and Liliana, CRWC Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Technicians 

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Before you start planning and planting, it’s important to select the right location for your rain garden. 

Location requirements for a successful rain garden

Your garden should be 10 feet away from any building foundation to prevent water damage. It should also be 5 feet away from property lines to provide enough space for a berm and overflow without affecting your neighbor.  

Are there any “bad” locations for a rain garden?

Unfortunately, yes! Here are some common locations where good-intentioned homeowners want to install a rain garden. However, these locations might do more harm than good, or they might not be able to handle significant water problems. 

• Along the side of your house, at the low point along your property line.

  This placement is too close to your neighbor and does not allow ample room for outflow or a berm.  

• Within a ditch along your front or backyard.

  There are a few things to consider before planting within a ditch. Be sure you obtain permission from city planners, and that your plans ensure visibility to the road. Don't forget that if your ditch is on city property, the city has a right to remove anything you plant there. You must also consider how long water holds within the ditch. If water is collecting and ponding for more than 24 hours after a rainstorm, it may be difficult for plants to establish themselves. If this is the case, choose wetland plants like native water lilies or arrowheads.  

• Within a low point in your yard.

  We usually recommend controlling the flow of water and capturing it before it reaches a low point. Low points take runoff from all high points surrounding it. Rain fall along with roof runoff may be too much for the garden to handle. Rain gardens within a low point are ideal if you are not planning to connect a downspout, and water naturally funnels into the garden from impervious surfaces.  

• Along the foundation of your house.

  We do not recommend placing a rain garden less than 10 feet from your house's foundation to ensure water is not pooling and causing damage.  

Rain gardens are not for every house. If you find that you don’t have a good spot for a rain garden, we recommend a native pollinator garden instead. Visit our website to learn more about native plants and join us for our native plant sale onSept. 19. And don’t forget to check out our rain barrel sale now through Sept. 6. 

Conclusion

Planning a rain garden can feel like a daunting process, so before you start planting, be sure to select the right location. Ensure that your garden is 10 feet away from any building foundation and 5 feet away from property lines.

FAQ

1. How far should my garden be from other buildings and property lines?

• Ensure that your garden is 10 feet away from any building foundation and 5 feet away from property lines.

2. Are there any bad locations for a rain garden?

Do not plant your rain garden in these locations:

• Along the side of your house, at the low point along your property line.

• Within a ditch along your front or backyard.

• Within a low point in your yard.

• Along the foundation of your house.

3. What if a rain garden doesn’t work for my yard?

• Rain gardens are not for every house. If you find that you don’t have a good spot for a rain garden, we recommend a native pollinator garden instead.

4. Where can I learn more about native plants?

• Visit our website to learn more about native plants and join us for our native plant sale onSept. 19.