Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are shallow depressions that are planted with native flowering plants and grasses, which not only looks great, but also helps soak up rain water and melted snow and provides habitat for beneficial insects and birds. The runoff soaks into the ground rather than causing erosion or carrying pollution to the nearest lake or stream.
Cost can vary from very low cost to thousands. If you do the design, digging and planting, you can save a lot of money. The biggest expense is usually the plants. Rain gardens require little maintenance once established. It's also that much less turf you have to mow!