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Rain gardens work by capturing run-off from your roof or driveway and diverting it to gardens and low-lying areas to slowly soak into the soil. 

Why are rain gardens important?  Rainwater that goes into storm drains discharges directly into rivers, lakes or streams.  This sudden introduction of large volumes of stormwater erodes stream banks and stream beds and increases flooding risks.  Rain gardens protect local waterways by decreasing the volume of runoff entering surface waters during rain events. 

Rain gardens provide a unique landscape feature.  The plants in the rain garden are both beautiful and helpful. They add color and interest to your landscape.  Depending on the type of vegetation you choose to install, the rain garden can also serve as habitat for butterflies, birds and other wildlife. 

If you would like to see a rain garden in action, please visit the Cobb County Water Quality Laboratory in Marietta where we have created a rain garden demonstration site.  Two types of rain gardens have been installed here, creating a focal point in the landscape that attracts pollinators and other wildlife to the area.      

Learn how to construct a rain garden and identify what plants to select, click here.