A bit of work, but perhaps a stepping stone type item? Cement poured in a foil cake pan, garden saying or drawn leaves, pretty stones inlaid, across the top.

Would work sited at the bottom of the rain chain, preventing drips making a hole in the dirt. Gentling the rain runoff.

goodhors, that's a great idea. I suppose I could even mold something into a shallow bowl shape to catch some of the water.