We’ve all heard that April showers bring May flowers… but they can also bring puddles, erosion, and waterlogged lawns. If you’ve ever watched rainwater rush through your yard and pool where it shouldn’t, you’re not alone. The good news? Thoughtful landscape design can help manage all that water naturally, while supporting pollinators and adding beauty to your space.

Let’s talk rain gardens, swales, and the native plants that thrive in soggy spots.

What Is Stormwater, and Why Should We Care?

Stormwater is simply rain (or melted snow) that flows over hard surfaces like rooftops, driveways, and sidewalks into your yard or nearby storm drains. In conventional landscapes, this runoff often carries pollutants, erodes soil, and overloads drainage systems.

But in a sustainable yard, we can slow that water down, give it somewhere to go, and let plants and soil filter it naturally.

Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a shallow, planted depression that captures runoff and allows it to soak slowly into the ground. They're typically placed at the bottom of a slope or near a downspout where water naturally flows.

Benefits of rain gardens:

Reduce water runoff and pollution
Recharge groundwater
Provide habitat for pollinators
Add beauty and seasonal interest

Tips for creating a rain garden:

Choose a spot at least 10 feet from your foundation
Dig 4–8 inches deep with gently sloped sides
Use a mix of native plants with different root depths
Build a small berm on the downhill side to hold water

Swales: Shallow Channels That Work Hard

Swales are shallow, vegetated ditches designed to move water slowly across your yard. Think of them as nature’s gutters. They’re especially useful on sloped properties or areas where you need to redirect water away from structures.

Swale basics:

Follow the natural contour of your land
Line with grasses, groundcovers, or mulch
Combine with berms or rain gardens for greater effect

Swales can be beautiful features in the landscape, especially when planted with low-maintenance native species.

Native Plants That Thrive in Wet Conditions

Choosing the right plants is essential when designing for stormwater. You'll want deep-rooted native plants that can tolerate both soggy soil and dry periods.

Here are a few great options:

Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) – A moisture-loving perennial with striking purple flowers
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – Bold red blooms, attracts hummingbirds, loves damp soil
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – Great for monarchs, tolerates wet feet
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) – Tall, showy, and pollinator-friendly
Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea) – Spreads easily, early spring blooms, handles wet soil

These plants do more than survive wet conditions—they help stabilize soil, support wildlife, and turn problem areas into thriving garden features.

Small Design, Big Impact

Even small changes to your landscape can help reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and increase biodiversity. You don’t need a big yard or fancy equipment. Just a little intention and the right plants can go a long way.

If you’re dreaming of a yard that works with nature instead of against it, spring is the perfect time to start.

Want to Get Started?

Whether you're trying to fix a soggy corner or completely rethink your outdoor space, I can help you design a sustainable, stormwater-friendly landscape.

Visit restoring-roots.com to learn more or book a consultation.

Designing with Rain in Mind