Consider a rain garden to reduce watering needs in your yard and replenish groundwater. A rain garden is lower than the surrounding landscape, allowing rain to soak into the soil. This filters out pollutants and keeps runoff out of city storm sewers.
Viewer Tip: The ideal spot if you want the most plant choices is a sunny or partially shady, flat or very gently sloping area located some distance from underground utilities and your home. The area should drain well. Heavy clay soils require a larger rain garden and sandy soils require a smaller one. Dig out six inches for a level area and loosen up the next 3. Add compost-enhanced soil and drought-tolerant native plants that can stay wet for few days. Mulch and water until plants establish.
Learn more about native plant choices in the Native Plant Database, which provides options for areas nationwide.
This information is provided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Learn more at www.wildflower.org.