Rain Gardens

Rain gardens can help reduce the risk of sewer overflows and water pollution by naturally absorbing stormwater runoff from hard surfaces into the ground. Since 2006, MMSD and Agrecol Native Seed and Plant Nursery have offered a rain garden plant sale to customers within MMSD’s service area. Plants are provided at a reduced price, up to a 50% discount compared to retail prices.

To be notified of MMSD's next Rain Garden Plant Sale, upcoming Rain Barrel workshops, and news, sign up for our Fresh Coast Guardians newsletter: Sign-Up

For more rain garden/native plant sales, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

Why Plant a Rain Garden?

Rain gardens help reduce water pollution by collecting rain from roofs, driveways, or other hard surfaces and naturally absorb water into the ground.

Rain gardens are gardens that are watered by collected or pooled stormwater runoff, slowly infiltrating it into the ground along root pathways. They are typically planted with wildflowers and deep-rooted native plants, which helps infiltrate rain channeled to them from roofs, driveways, yards, and other impervious surfaces.

Rain Gardens can be placed near downspouts on homes (although away from building foundations and sewer laterals) and should be slightly depressed to hold and infiltrate stormwater runoff.

Rain gardens offer many benefits, including:

Helping protect our streams and Lake Michigan from pollution by reducing stormwater runoff.
Reducing the risk of flooding and drainage problems.
Beautifying your yard and neighborhood.
Providing habitat for pollinators and birds.

How to Install a Rain Garden

It's quick and easy to install a rain garden. Follow these 10 steps from Melinda Myers and build your own today.

Rain Garden Webinars with Gardening Expert Melinda Myers:

How to Select Rain Garden Plants. Watch now.
Planning, Planting, and Caring for Your Rain Garden -Watch Recording
How to Plan Your Rain Garden. Watch now.
Rain Garden Design Workshop. Watch now.
How to Plant a Rain Garden. Watch now.
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property with Gardening Expert Melinda Myers. Watch now.
Fall Landscape Planting and Care -Watch Recording

Information and Resources:

Downspout Disconnection

During heavy rain, every downspout on your home can send 12 gallons of water a minute to the sewer system, which increases the risk of sewer water backing up into your basement and overflowing into our rivers and Lake Michigan. Disconnect your downspout and help keep excess water out of sanitary sewers and into your yard or a rain garden.

Install a Rain Barrel

Get FREE water by the barrel from your roof and use it when it’s dry outside to use in your landscape. Rain barrels help keep excess water out of the sewer system and help reduce water pollution.

Text: WATERDROP to 414-296-4422 for Española texto GOTADEAGUA a 414-296-4422

Receive Water Drop Alert text messages when heavy rain threatens the area. When a Water Drop Alert has been issued, a reminder is sent to use less water.

What do you do when an alert is issued?

Hold off on washing dishes and laundry
Take a shorter shower
Empty your rain barrel