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How to build a small rain garden

A shallow planted basin can absorb most of the runoff from a small roof.

Garden Forward editorial team · Published 2026-02-27 · Updated 2026-05-14 · Global

A terraced subtropical garden of tree ferns and palms around ornamental lakes above the sea
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A rain garden is a depression planted with species that tolerate temporary flooding. It slows runoff and lets water soak in rather than flow away.

Site it at least three metres from buildings, check your drainage rate first, and size the basin to roughly one fifth of the roof area feeding it.

For anything involving structural drainage or flood protection, involve your local authority.

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