One of the most difficult spaces to landscape in your yard is that confounded sloped side. Sure, a gently rolling hill is beautiful and adds visual character to the yard. But the downside (no pun intended) to an incline is that the land erodes when it rains. The onslaught of water– either from a hill, driveway or roof– causes water to collect at the bottom, faster than it can drain. Suddenly, you have an impromptu swimming pool on your lawn. Once drained, an ugly mess of leaves and dirt is left behind.

However, this problem may be easily remedied with a rain garden. Rain gardens aid water drainage while keeping your yard pretty. Native plants with deep root systems, such as wildflowers, rushes and shrubs, work best for this type of garden.

May as well put that excess water to good use!

Best of all, rain gardens help the environment by keeping storm drains clear and creating habitat for wildlife.

Have Phase One Landscapes design a rain garden for you, to preserve your lawn and nature.

Photo source: BevKnits; eXtension.org