UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have put together a comprehensive Rain Garden how-to manual for homeowners. As of this time, this manual is considered to be the official technical standard for Rain Gardens in Wisconsin. To view or download the publication, follow the link below.
Rain Gardens: A How-to Manual for Homeowners 

Purchase a copy of Rain Gardens: A How-to Manual for Homeowners

 

UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have also put together a smaller version of the how-to manual for storm owners. This eight-page spread includes a large rain garden diagram and how-to steps for building a garden with pictures taken at different parts of the process! To view or download the publication, follow the link below.
Rain Gardens: A household Way to Improve Water Quality in your Community

Purchase a copy of Rain Gardens: A household Way to Improve Water Quality in your Community

UW-Extension and Root-Pike WIN have designed a short two-page introduction on rain gardens based off of the more detailed spreads included above. It contains basic information on the purpose and effects rain gardens have as well as an introduction on native plants and building a garden. To view or download the publication, follow the links below.
Rain Gardens: Improve Water Quality in your Community (8.5″x11″)
Rain Gardens: Improve Water Quality in your Community (11″x17″)

 

 

The Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission has also put together a smaller two-page publication on rain gardens with more emphasis placed on the construction and selection of native plants. Smaller sections on cost and maintenance are also useful to the rain garden owner-to-be! To view or download the publication, follow the link below.
How to Build a Rain Garden

 

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designed a “Rain Garden Workbook”, a step-by-step workbook for building a rain garden that includes information on soil testing, planting, and design with graph paper to create a bird’s-eye-view of your future garden! To view or download the publication, follow the link below.
Start-to-Finish Rain Garden Design 

 

 

University of Nebraska Extension has two publications on rain gardens which include information on rain gardens and the process of creating one. To view or download the publications, follow the links below.
Rain Garden Design for Homeowners
Installing Rain Gardens in Your Yard

 

The City of Bremerton, WA has a step-by-step process of making your own rain barrel for about $20 with a tool list and diagrams. To print off this information, follow the link below.
Make Your Own Rain Barrel