2025 MMSD Spring Rain Garden Plant Sale is Now Open!

Rain Gardens

MMSD's 2025 Rain Garden Plant Sale is Now Open!

Rain gardens can help reduce the risk of sewer overflows and water pollution by naturally absorbing stormwater runoff from hard surfaces into the ground. Since 2006, MMSD and Agrecol Native Seed and Plant Nursery have offered a rain garden plant sale to customers within MMSD’s service area. Plants are provided at a reduced price, up to a 50% discount compared to retail prices.

For more information on the rain garden plant sale and upcoming FREE virtual webinars and in-person workshops.

To keep prices low, there will be a minimum order of $45.00 (one garden kit or at least four individual plant bundles). Plant supplies are limited for this plant sale. Once plants SELL OUT, the SALE WILL CLOSE!

 

How Do I Order Rain Garden Plants? 

Order Here

To be notified of MMSD's next Rain Garden Plant Sale, upcoming Rain Barrel workshops, and news, sign up for our Fresh Coast Guardians newsletter:  Sign-Up 

Why Plant a Rain Garden?

Rain gardens help reduce water pollution by collecting rain from roofs, driveways, or other hard surfaces and naturally absorb water into the ground.

Rain gardens are gardens that are watered by collected or pooled stormwater runoff, slowly infiltrating it into the ground along root pathways. They are typically planted with wildflowers and deep-rooted native plants, which helps infiltrate rain channeled to them from roofs, driveways, yards, and other impervious surfaces.

Rain Gardens can be placed near downspouts on homes (although away from building foundations and sewer laterals) and should be slightly depressed to hold and infiltrate stormwater runoff. 

Rain gardens offer many benefits, including: 

  • Helping protect our streams and Lake Michigan from pollution by reducing stormwater runoff.
  • Reducing the risk of flooding and drainage problems.
  • Beautifying your yard and neighborhood.
  • Providing habitat for pollinators and birds.
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How to Install a Rain Garden

It's quick and easy to install a rain garden. Follow these 10 steps from Melinda Myers and build your own today.

Rain Garden Webinars with Gardening Expert Melinda Myers:

Information and Resources:

disconnect your downspout in milwaukee

Downspout Disconnection

During heavy rain, every downspout on your home can send 12 gallons of water a minute to the sewer system, which increases the risk of sewer water backing up into your basement and overflowing into our rivers and Lake Michigan. Disconnect your downspout and help keep excess water out of sanitary sewers and into your yard or a rain garden.

Benefits of Rain Gardens with Melinda Myers

Check out this video with gardening expert Melinda Myers to learn about the benefits of planting a rain garden and how rain gardens can help the environment.

Install a Milwaukee Rain Barrel

Install a Rain Barrel

Get FREE water by the barrel from your roof and use it when it’s dry outside to use in your landscape.  Rain barrels help keep excess water out of the sewer system and help reduce water pollution. 

MMSD Water Drop Alert

Text: WATERDROP to 414-296-4422 for Española texto GOTADEAGUA a 414-296-4422

Receive Water Drop Alert text messages when heavy rain threatens the area. When a Water Drop Alert has been issued, a reminder is sent to use less water.

What do you do when an alert is issued?

  • Hold off on washing dishes and laundry
  • Take a shorter shower 
  • Empty your rain barrel