TENNESSEE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
  • Home
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer & Events
    • Come Post Your Compost >
      • Submit Compost Totals Here
      • Community Success Stories
      • Resources for Businesses
    • Generate Some Buzz
    • Recycling Roundups >
      • Recycle Tennessee >
        • Recycle Right Nashville
        • Recycle Right Knoxville
        • Recycle Right Oak Hill
        • Recycle Right Lebanon
    • Watershed Support Center >
      • Davidson County Creek Cleanups
      • Grassy Branch Creek Restoration Project
      • Lytle Creek Restoration Project
      • Duck River Opportunities Project
      • Stream Support and Consulting
      • Citizen Action Guide
    • Tennessee Tree Program >
      • Tennessee Tree Day
      • Tennessee Chestnut Project
      • Useful Tree Resources >
        • Benefits of trees
      • Guidelines For A Tennessee Tree Project Event
      • Tennessee Tree Varieties We Have Planted
    • Radioactive Waste Education Project
    • Intern with TEC
  • Donate & Ways to Give
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Mission, Vision & Accomplishments
    • 50 Years of Accomplishments

Plant a Rain Garden 

What Is A Rain Garden?

​At its most basic, a rain garden is a low-lying area which collects water and allows for water to soak into the ground instead of flowing directly into a storm drain or waterway. Rain gardens should be established in areas where water runoff is frequent. Ideal locations for rain gardens are near gutters or parking lots. Rain gardens decrease erosion, filter water and create habitat for wildlife. 
Picture

How To Get Started

Designing your rain garden begins with choosing the best spot! A rain garden should be placed near a downspout, gutter or other drainage area. The most important thing to keep in mind when designing your rain garden is to plant it in an area where water is frequently being drained. Choose the lowest area in your yard for the best results. Once you have selected your spot, you can dig out the area to create a ponding area. Mix in a well drained soil mixture and plant some native wildflowers, sedge and grasses. The establishment of a rain garden will be time-intensive, but is a rewarding project for any homeowner. You can see a detailed guide to establishing a rain garden in by checking out the PDFs below. 

Plant Your Garden

Planting native plants is highly recommended in a rain garden. Plants native to Tennessee will provide the best habitat for birds and pollinators, and will also do the best job filtering and soaking up water. Your rain garden's plant need to be well-suited for moist to wet soil conditions. You can find a list of recommended plants below. You'll likely be able to buy them from a local plant nursery.

What To Plant
Rain Garden Handbook
Join our email list
Donate
get Involved
Tennessee Environmental Council
​One Vantage Way Suite E-250
​Nashville, TN 37228 | 615-248-6500 | tec@tectn.org 
​We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1970.
  • Home
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer & Events
    • Come Post Your Compost >
      • Submit Compost Totals Here
      • Community Success Stories
      • Resources for Businesses
    • Generate Some Buzz
    • Recycling Roundups >
      • Recycle Tennessee >
        • Recycle Right Nashville
        • Recycle Right Knoxville
        • Recycle Right Oak Hill
        • Recycle Right Lebanon
    • Watershed Support Center >
      • Davidson County Creek Cleanups
      • Grassy Branch Creek Restoration Project
      • Lytle Creek Restoration Project
      • Duck River Opportunities Project
      • Stream Support and Consulting
      • Citizen Action Guide
    • Tennessee Tree Program >
      • Tennessee Tree Day
      • Tennessee Chestnut Project
      • Useful Tree Resources >
        • Benefits of trees
      • Guidelines For A Tennessee Tree Project Event
      • Tennessee Tree Varieties We Have Planted
    • Radioactive Waste Education Project
    • Intern with TEC
  • Donate & Ways to Give
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Mission, Vision & Accomplishments
    • 50 Years of Accomplishments