Rain gardens are rainwater management practices that collect water from impervious surfaces such as roofs and roads, temporarily retaining it within a ditch with plants. They prevent runoff water from flowing into roads and, indirectly, into the bay, serving as a natural filtration system to clean the rainwater and contribute to groundwater replenishment. These implementations offer economic and sustainable solutions to drainage problems, create a suitable environment for specific flora and fauna, and enhance biodiversity. In line with these goals, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality is launching a rain garden incentive program, aiming to establish 10,000 rain gardens and provide native plants and flowers to our fellow citizens!

Citizens applying for Rain Gardens should make their selection considering the size of the roof area, rainwater downspouts, and garden area, as well as the slope. Rain gardens are not very deep, so they can be created without professional assistance if safety precautions are taken into account. Important criteria to be considered, but not mandatory, are as follows:

1. Testing the soil infiltration on-site and ensuring its effectiveness,
2. Designing where the water can safely flow when the rain garden becomes saturated during heavy storms and rainfall,
3. Considering suitable entry and exit points for water,
4. Determining where the water entering the drainage system will be discharged and ensuring that it meets appropriate standards and necessary permits,
5. Taking into account site conditions, including pollution or salt tolerance,
6. In locations where the bedrock is deeper than 45 cm below the rain garden,
7. In locations where the slope is not more than 10%,
8. At least 150 cm away from infrastructure,
9. At least 180 cm from a building with a basement or 60 cm from a building without a basement,
10. According to the guide published by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, being approximately 300 cm away from the edge of the building's eaves,
11. At least 150 cm away from neighboring properties,
12. For retaining walls higher than 3 meters, at least 150 cm from the foundation and approximately 300 cm from above the wall,
13. The deepest part of the rain garden should be at least 300 cm away from neighboring structures,
14. Plants to be used in the rain garden should be selected in accordance with the region's flora and considering the plant's ecological requirements for water demand.

• To ensure that plants establish well, they need deep watering during the first two or three years in dry months. Overwatering or light/sparse watering can prevent plants from developing a healthy and deep root structure, which is necessary for long-term drought resistance.
• Regular watering is crucial during the first few weeks after planting and during hot, dry periods. During the first two years after planting, plants should be watered when the top 10 cm of soil is dry. After the plants are established, watering should only be done during dry months. When watering, ensure that the water reaches beneath the mulch layer and penetrates the soil. To reduce the potential for rapid evaporation, disease, and fungal infestation, watering can be done in the early morning, roughly between 05:00-07:00.
• When observing the rain garden, if the plants wilt during the day and recover in the evening, there is no need for additional watering. Another basic rule is to insert a pencil or screwdriver into the soil to a depth of approximately 10 cm. If the soil is moist at this depth, there is no need for watering. Although the plants are selected for their ability to tolerate both dry and wet conditions, care should be taken not to overwater them.