3. Rain Garden 

A rain garden is an option for a ditch or depression where rainwater tends to gather, such as next to a porch or deck. If you install the garden near a downspout or other outlet, the plants will soak up the runoff and prevent excess water from clogging the drain or eroding the land. Many plants native to rainy areas do well in rain gardens. Add a bed of rocks to reduce the scouring effect of heavy concentrated runoff.