Rain Gardens

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Rain garden at Astor School

Why build a rain garden?

When a landscape is covered in natural vegetation, most rainfall soaks into the ground. As we start adding roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and streets to the landscape, much of the rainfall can’t soak into the ground anymore.  This can create a lot of problems for people and for our streams.

Rain gardens hold stormwater runoff and allow it to soak into the ground naturally.  This  helps reduce the amount of pollution that gets into our streams.  It also maintains the natural hydrology so streams don’t go dry during dry spells.

Rain gardens are becoming “all the rage” because they:

  1. Are an easy way for all of us to do our part to protect our streams and rivers.
  2. Are planted with beautiful, hardy, low-maintenance perennial plants.
  3. Provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

Interested in learning more about rain gardens?

Check out one of our free workshops. We also have a 40-50 min presentation on the basics of planning, designing and constructing a rain garden. Contact us if your organization would be interested in a presentation.

 

Disclaimer: All information presented on our website should be considered general guidance. Each property has unique features that will influence the success of any rain garden project. East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, its staff and contractors are not responsible for flooding, property damage or loss, or any other damages resulting from the installation of a rain garden. Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction to see if permits are required for activities associated with rain garden installation (eg. grading, erosion control, downspout disconnection, etc.).