Rebate money, explained
Did you know your county may pay you to plant a rain garden?
Rebate-Ready Garden sells ready-made garden plans. Here’s the gap they fill: the rebate money is real — Prince George’s County pays $10 a square foot for rain gardens, and Montgomery County’s program pays the same. But the rules, plant lists, and paperwork stop most homeowners before they start. Each $19.50 plan turns one program’s requirements into a ready-to-plant layout: the Plant-by-Numbers map, the native plant list, and the compliance packet, as an instant download.
Inside every plan
- Plant-by-Numbers map — a scaled layout showing exactly where each plant goes. Plant straight from the page, no design skills needed.
- Native plant list — species matched to your program’s approved list, with exact counts for your garden size and bloom times so something’s flowering all season.
- Compliance packet — the program’s requirements turned into a plain checklist: depths, mulch, setbacks, and the photos and receipts they’ll ask for.
- Submission sheet — what to send the county and in what order, with your plan details filled in. You still file the official application — this makes it easy.
Find your edition
We match your ZIP to the county edition built for its rebate program. ZIP prefixes are a rough guide — confirm your county before buying.
$19.50 per plan with Plant-by-Numbers Map · $24.50 for all five Prince George’s plans · instant download
- Instant PDF download
- Checked against each program’s published rules
- Refund if your plan doesn’t match
The idea
Matched to your county’s rules
Every plan is drawn against the published requirements of one rebate program — not a generic garden plan with a rebate sticker on it.
Plant-by-Numbers Map
A to-scale layout. Circled numbers match the plant list. If you can read a paint-by-numbers kit, you can plant this.
Nursery-available natives
Every plant verified native to your region and buyable at a normal nursery. No specialty orders, no substitutes.
Our Plan-Match Guarantee
If your plan doesn’t match its program’s published rules, we fix it or refund you. Your choice.
How it works
Find your county
Enter your ZIP above. We show you the plans built for your county’s rebate program.
Download your plan
$19.50, instant PDF. The Plant-by-Numbers Map, the plant list, the compliance packet, the submission sheet.
Plant and file
Put the garden in this fall. Submit the packet with your rebate application.
Before you buy — three quick checks
1. The spot sits at least 10 feet from your foundation.
2. The soil drains: dig a small hole, fill it with water, and it empties within 36 hours.
3. The spot gets sun or part shade.
If any of these fail, the plan won’t work on your lot — save your $19.50.
The editions
Each plan below is the planting layout and paperwork packet you attach to your county’s rebate application. Buying a plan isn’t applying for the rebate — it’s the documentation the application asks for.
Which size? Rule of thumb for rain gardens: one downspout, pick the 100 sq ft plan. Two downspouts or a big roof, go 150. Meadows are sized by lawn area, not roof — measure the strip you’re converting.
Maryland
Prince George’s County
Built for the county’s Rain Check program: $10 per square foot for rain gardens, $5 for conservation landscaping. These plans are drawn to its rules.
Prince George's Rain Garden Plan — 100 sq ft
20 × 5 ft rain garden, 22 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for the Rain Check rebate ($10/sq ft).
| Size | 20 × 5 ft · 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 22 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $1,000 $10/sq ft rain garden rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Prince George's Rain Garden Plan — 150 sq ft
25 × 6 ft rain garden, 30 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for the Rain Check rebate ($10/sq ft).
| Size | 25 × 6 ft · 150 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 30 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $1,500 $10/sq ft rain garden rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Prince George's Rain Garden Plan — 200 sq ft
25 × 8 ft rain garden, 42 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for the Rain Check rebate ($10/sq ft).
| Size | 25 × 8 ft · 200 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 42 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $2,000 $10/sq ft rain garden rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Prince George's Lawn-to-Meadow Plan — 250 sq ft
25 × 10 ft lawn-to-meadow, 60 plants, full sun. Sized for the Rain Check conservation rebate ($5/sq ft).
| Size | 25 × 10 ft · 250 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 60 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Rebate value | Up to $1,250 $5/sq ft conservation landscaping rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Prince George's Lawn-to-Meadow Plan — 400 sq ft
40 × 10 ft lawn-to-meadow, 89 plants, full sun. Sized for the Rain Check conservation rebate ($5/sq ft).
| Size | 40 × 10 ft · 400 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 89 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Rebate value | Up to $2,000 $5/sq ft conservation landscaping rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
The Bundle — all five Prince George’s plans
Five compliance packets, one download. Save $73 versus buying them separately.
Prince George's Bundle — All 5 Plans
Every Prince George's plan: three rain gardens and two lawn-to-meadow conversions. Five packets, one download.
- All 5 Prince George's plans
- All compliance packets and submission sheets
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Montgomery County
Built for RainScapes Rewards: $10 per square foot for rain gardens, $5–$6 for conservation landscaping. Rates confirmed with the county October 1, 2026. We re-check these figures monthly.
In Rockville or Gaithersburg? Those cities run their own rebate programs — see the Rockville/Gaithersburg edition. Takoma Park is excluded from the county program.
Montgomery County Rain Garden Plan — 100 sq ft
20 × 5 ft rain garden, 40 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for RainScapes ($10/sq ft).
| Size | 20 × 5 ft · 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 40 |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $1,000 $10/sq ft rain garden rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Montgomery County Rain Garden Plan — 150 sq ft
25 × 6 ft rain garden, 55 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for RainScapes ($10/sq ft).
| Size | 25 × 6 ft · 150 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 55 |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $1,500 $10/sq ft rain garden rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Montgomery County Rain Garden Plan — 200 sq ft
25 × 8 ft rain garden, 72 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for RainScapes ($10/sq ft).
| Size | 25 × 8 ft · 200 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 72 |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $2,000 $10/sq ft rain garden rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Montgomery County Lawn-to-Meadow Plan — 250 sq ft
25 × 10 ft meadow conversion, 96 plants, full sun. Sized for RainScapes conservation landscaping ($5–$6/sq ft).
| Size | 25 × 10 ft · 250 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 96 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Rebate value | Up to $1,500 $5–$6/sq ft conservation landscaping rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Montgomery County Lawn-to-Meadow Plan — 400 sq ft
40 × 10 ft meadow conversion, 146 plants, full sun. Sized for RainScapes conservation landscaping ($5–$6/sq ft).
| Size | 40 × 10 ft · 400 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 146 plants |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Rebate value | Up to $2,400 $5–$6/sq ft conservation landscaping rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
District of Columbia
Washington, D.C.
Built for DC’s RiverSmart Homes program: a flat $41 per square foot for rain gardens, capped at $3,000. Chesapeake-watershed natives only. Official program page: DC RiverSmart Rain Garden Rebates (doee.dc.gov).
DC Rain Garden Plan — 50 sq ft
10 × 5 ft rain garden, 18 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for the RiverSmart Homes rebate ($42/sq ft, up to $3,000). Chesapeake-watershed natives only.
| Size | 10 × 5 ft · 50 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 18 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $2,100 $42/sq ft RiverSmart rate |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
DC Rain Garden Plan — 75 sq ft
15 × 5 ft rain garden, 27 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for the RiverSmart Homes rebate ($42/sq ft, up to $3,000). Chesapeake-watershed natives only.
| Size | 15 × 5 ft · 75 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 27 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $3,000 $42/sq ft rate, program cap |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
New York
Long Island
Built for the Long Island Garden Rewards Program: up to $500 back on native plants and materials for rain gardens and native plantings in Nassau and Suffolk counties. DIY-friendly — no professional design required. Note: the Town of North Hempstead runs its own separate native-plant rebate; these packets are built for the NEIWPCC Garden Rewards program. Official program page: Long Island Garden Rewards (neiwpcc.org).
Long Island Rain Garden Plan — 100 sq ft
20 × 5 ft rain garden, 41 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for the Long Island Garden Rewards Program (up to $500/property for plants and materials).
| Size | 20 × 5 ft · 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 41 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $500 LIGRP plant/material reimbursement |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Long Island Rain Garden Plan — 150 sq ft
25 × 6 ft rain garden, 56 plants, full sun to part shade. Sized for the Long Island Garden Rewards Program (up to $500/property for plants and materials).
| Size | 25 × 6 ft · 150 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 56 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Rebate value | Up to $500 LIGRP plant/material reimbursement |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Long Island Lawn-to-Meadow Plan — 100 sq ft
20 × 5 ft lawn-to-meadow, 46 plants, full sun. Sized for the Long Island Garden Rewards Program (up to $500/property for plants and materials).
| Size | 20 × 5 ft · 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 46 plants |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Rebate value | Up to $500 LIGRP plant/material reimbursement |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Virginia
Fairfax County
Built for the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) / Fairfax County CAP: cost-share of 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr), capped at $7,000 per practice. DIY eligible — no PE seal required for rain gardens. These plans are drawn to the program’s PY2027 rules.
Fairfax County Rain Garden Plan — 100 sq ft
20 × 5 ft rain garden, 80 plants, full sun to part shade. A planting plan to bring to your district site visit. The district sets final size and placement. Funding is competitive and there's often a waitlist; approval isn't guaranteed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by VCAP, NVSWCD or Fairfax County.
| Size | 20 × 5 ft · 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 80 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Cost-share | Cost-share: 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr), capped at $7,000 per practice 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr) |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Fairfax County Rain Garden Plan — 150 sq ft
25 × 6 ft rain garden, 123 plants, full sun to part shade. A planting plan to bring to your district site visit. The district sets final size and placement. Funding is competitive and there's often a waitlist; approval isn't guaranteed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by VCAP, NVSWCD or Fairfax County.
| Size | 25 × 6 ft · 150 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 123 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Cost-share | Cost-share: 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr), capped at $7,000 per practice 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr) |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Fairfax County Rain Garden Plan — 200 sq ft
25 × 8 ft rain garden, 160 plants, full sun to part shade. A planting plan to bring to your district site visit. The district sets final size and placement. Funding is competitive and there's often a waitlist; approval isn't guaranteed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by VCAP, NVSWCD or Fairfax County.
| Size | 25 × 8 ft · 200 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 160 plants |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Cost-share | Cost-share: 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr), capped at $7,000 per practice 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr) |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Fairfax County Lawn-to-Meadow Plan — 250 sq ft
25 × 10 ft lawn-to-meadow, 190 plants, full sun. A planting plan to bring to your district site visit. The district sets final size and placement. Funding is competitive and there's often a waitlist; approval isn't guaranteed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by VCAP, NVSWCD or Fairfax County.
| Size | 25 × 10 ft · 250 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 190 plants |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Cost-share | Cost-share: 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr), capped at $7,000 per practice 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr) |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Fairfax County Lawn-to-Meadow Plan — 400 sq ft
40 × 10 ft lawn-to-meadow, 304 plants, full sun. A planting plan to bring to your district site visit. The district sets final size and placement. Funding is competitive and there's often a waitlist; approval isn't guaranteed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by VCAP, NVSWCD or Fairfax County.
| Size | 40 × 10 ft · 400 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Plants | 304 plants |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Cost-share | Cost-share: 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr), capped at $7,000 per practice 80% of eligible costs (10-yr upkeep) or 35% (5-yr) |
- To-scale planting layout
- Native plant list with sizes, quantities, and spacing
- Rebate compliance packet matched to the program rules
- Application submission sheet
- Install it yourself over a weekend, or hand the packet to any landscaper for a bid
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
DIY Guides
Works with any stormwater rebate program. The plan tells you WHAT to plant; these tell you HOW to build it and get paid.
The Rain Garden Blueprint
The complete DIY manual: sizing formulas, perc testing, setback rules, soil engineering, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic planting palettes, construction guide, and the rebate filing package. The plan tells you WHAT to plant; the Blueprint tells you HOW to build it and get paid.
- Sizing formulas + perc-test procedure with worked example
- Setback rules and soil-engineering recipe (50/30/20 bioretention mix)
- 12 native plants across 3 hydrological zones (Northeast & Mid-Atlantic)
- Day-by-day construction guide
- Rebate filing package: 4-step protocol, photo checklist, site-plan template
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Rebate Filing Package
Get your rebate approved: the exact 4-step submission protocol, before/after photo checklist, fill-in site-plan template, and receipt log. Pairs with any planting plan.
- 4-step rebate submission protocol
- Before/after photo checklist
- Fill-in site-plan template
- Receipt log table
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Sizing Calculator Worksheet
Size it right the first time: blank perc-test log table, sizing formula walkthrough with worked example, and a fill-in-your-numbers worksheet with sketch box.
- Blank perc-test log table
- Sizing formula walkthrough + worked example
- Fill-in-your-numbers worksheet with sketch box
Printable guide (PDF). Refund policy · Terms of Sale. Rebate approval is the program's decision. Your download is ready instantly on the success page after checkout.
Our Plan-Match Guarantee
Every plan is checked against its county program’s published requirements before it goes on sale. If your plan doesn’t match what the program asks for, we’ll fix the plan or refund you. Your choice.
One thing we can’t promise: the rebate itself. The county makes that call, and no honest seller can promise it for them.
Not sure which program fits?
We keep a free directory of 23 verified stormwater rebate programs across Maryland, DC, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and New England, with rebate rates, caps, and official sources. Most homeowners have never heard of these programs. If you know someone with a lawn, this is the page to send them.