A rain garden is a garden of native shrubs, perennials, and grasses which can withstand both drought and occasional flooding planted in a small depression, which is generally formed on a low point of a natural slope. Gravel or well drained soil is added to make the rain garden work more efficiently.
We hosted a virtual workshop on Rain Gardens on February 16, 2022. Watch the recording below.
You can learn more about the DEP Harbor Protectors Program and get involved with rain gardens around NYC: nyc.gov/harborprotectors
Below is a video of a NYC Street Rain Garden being built:
Additional Resources:
GrowNYC Rainwater Harvesting and Green Infrastructure Guides: https://www.grownyc.org/gardens/green-infrastructure-toolkit
BBG List of Plants for Rain Gardens: https://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/native_plants_for_new_york_city_rain_gardens
Video and Info about NYC Rain Gardens: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ddc/resources/features/2017/08/bioswales.page
EPA Soak Up the Rain: Rain Gardens: https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-rain-gardens
DEP info page about rain gardens: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dep/water/rain-gardens.page
Resources for Educators:
The pdf below is a informational case study of a rain garden built by GrowNYC in Harlem:
You can view the slides from the workshop in the pdf below: