Stepwise rain garden design refers to the planning and construction of a rain garden that is structured in a series of stepped levels. These gardens are designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff, reducing the amount of water that enters storm drains and potentially causing pollution. Each step serves as a different level of water retention and filtration, often with native plants that help to absorb and process the water. The design principles include proper grading, soil selection, and plant placement to ensure effective water management and ecosystem support.