Rain gardens are quite popular here in the Pacific NW, where we have tons of rain. Much better way to route water in a pleasing way with less environmental damage. Another big thing is permeous* surfaces - instead of a slab of solid concrete, lay some concrete blocks on their side to provide both a hard surface and drainage. I love all the new innovations I'm seeing out there.
(*I guess I don't know how to spell this, I've tried several variations...sorry)
