Rain Garden Designs

What are Rain Gardens and why do we use them?

Rain gardens have actually been around since the 80’s in public areas and are now growing in popularity in residential gardens as more people realize the benefits of using them. Simply stated, these are planted shallow basins designed to collect and hold run-off waters, allowing pollutants to settle and filter out as the water drains through the plant material into the ground. In a home garden these pollutants may include fertilizers, pesticides, car leakages, oils and substances that wash off roofs and paved areas.

Lakewood City Hall -Design by Rain Dog Design
Street Corner in Lakewood - Design by Rain Dog Designs

Rain gardening is an ecological approach to landscaping, utilizing plants that require little or no irrigation for growth, yet designed to handle heavy rainfall that would otherwise result in soil erosion, pollutant run off, and storm run off..

The use of such gardening benefits both man and wildlife by reducing dependence on irrigation and fertilizers, as well as providing diverse habitats. Plants in these gardens are selected for their ability to withstand both periodic inundation of water and drought like conditions.

Native plants fill this need beautifully and the professionals at Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery can help you select the correct ones for your garden needs.

Learn All About Rain Gardens from Rain-Gardens.biz.

Check out our photo gallery of rain gardens.

Pacific Northwest Native Plants Suitable for Rain Gardens

We have developed a list of plants for urban rain gardens we would love to share with you. If you email me at woodbrk@harbornet.com I can send you the list.

Thanks!