When spring storms unleashed billions of gallons of rainfall over the Milwaukee area in 2004, Richard Marklin of Wauwatosa conducted an experiment in his front yard with what he calls amazing results.

"We had gushers in spring," said Marklin.

Still, the engineering professor at Marquette University wanted to see firsthand how his newly planted rain garden performed when put to the test.

On several occasions, he stepped out in the rain to a corner of his house where a downspout sends water from his roof into the rain garden.

Not knowing if the garden would perform as he expected, Marklin says he was happy with what he saw.

"It's literally like a big sponge," Marklin observed. No standing water.

His rain garden is on the downhill side of several neighboring properties, so it collects more than just rain drops from the downspout on his home.

"So, the fear anybody has that there's going to be standing water is unfounded."

Tapping nature's rain drains
Rain gardens, quite simply, are gardens that soak up rain from your roof, driveway, sidewalk or yard. They are slightly different from your typical flower garden. Rain gardens are planted with wild flowers and deep-rooted native vegetation, which helps the ground soak up more water. They are typically placed near downspouts on a home to capture water, so the runoff can gradually soak into the ground.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, rain gardens can absorb 30 percent more water than a conventional, well manicured, lawn.

By directing the water into the ground, we're protecting our rivers and lakes from pollution while cleaning stormwater at the same time. Rain gardens provide the following benefits:

• They help reduce the amount of water that runs off your yard and into the sewer system, cutting down on the risk of sewer overflows and basement backups.
• Rain gardens prevent stormwater from picking up pollution as it washes across yards, driveways and parking lots on the way to the nearest river or lake.
• Plants, roots, soils and sand from your garden cleanse and purify stormwater as it soaks into the ground.
• Rain gardens can help recharge drinking water supplies and aquifers.
• They add beauty to your yard and neighborhood while providing valuable wildlife habitat.