Landscape Architect how-to

How to Design a Rain Garden

Rain gardens manage stormwater beautifully.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Rain gardens manage stormwater beautifully. In short: find; test; size, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Find a low spot away from foundations.

  2. Test soil infiltration.

  3. Size the garden for runoff.

  4. Grade a shallow basin.

  5. Select native plants for wet and dry zones.

  6. Plan an overflow.

Safety reminders for landscape architects

  • Use PPE on construction sites
  • Watch for traffic and equipment during site visits
  • Design for accessibility and safety
  • Follow codes and standards

Site analysis · Master plan · Grading plan · Hardscape · Planting plan · Green infrastructure: see the full landscape architect glossary.

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