In many Chicago neighborhoods, flooding is more than a seasonal inconvenience—it’s a barrier to enjoying outdoor space. That was the case for one homeowner on the city’s North Side. Every time it rained, their backyard filled with water, making it nearly impossible to grow anything, let alone the vegetable garden they dreamed of.
The Challenge: Poor Drainage, Frequent Flooding
The property has a large elevation change and the backyard sits at the bottom of a hill, collecting water even during moderate rainfall. Some areas of the property, particularly where water would puddle, have a high clay content and little room for drainage. Interestingly, certain areas of the property have a very high sand content and are likely the remnants of an ancient stream that would have carried rain water to a river at the base of the hill (also now paved over). Our client wanted a way to manage the standing water, reduce puddles, and grow a healthy, productive vegetable garden including a green house.
The Solution: A Custom Rain Garden
We designed and installed five swales and rain gardens throughout the property, tailored to the site’s unique needs and elevation changes. Using a combination of deep-rooted native shrubs and plants like Red Chokeberry, Ohio Goldenrod and assorted sedges and liatris species, the rain gardens slow water down, allow it to soak into the soil, and help clean it in the process. These species are not only beautiful—they’re also built for soggy conditions and play a critical role in supporting local pollinators.
Added Benefit: Space for a Vegetable Garden
By managing stormwater naturally, we were able to redirect excess runoff away from the middle of the yard. The result? A drier, healthier growing space where the homeowner now grows a large assortment of vegetables, leafy greens, and herbs.
Results: Resilience + Beauty
This garden is now more than a functional space—it’s a vibrant ecosystem. The rain garden fills during storms and drains within a day. Native plants draw bees and butterflies, and the vegetables thrive in the reclaimed space.
Interested in Solving Your Flooding Issues?
Every site is different, but the rain garden principles remain the same: slow it down, spread it out, soak it in. If you’re dealing with drainage problems or simply want to make your landscape more resilient, get in touch.
