RAIN GARDENS
A rain garden is a sunken, landscaped garden created to capture, absorb, and filter rainwater. Rainwater diverted from impermeable surfaces (like roads, sidewalks, and roofs) is captured in these gardens, where it pools and sssslowly infiltrates into the ground or is drunk by the garden’s water-loving plants.
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As rainwater travels over impermeable surfaces, the water picks up pollutants and carries them into our waterways. Everything from oils and debris from roadways to chemical fertilizers and herbicides gets washed into creeks, rivers, and eventually, the ocean. Some of these pollutants are toxic or even lethal to our local animals and plants; take a look at our 6-PPDQ Monitoring Project.
Stormwater management is a big concern in urban areas. Cities are covered with hard, impermeable surfaces—just think of all the pavement covering what was once permeable ground. When rain falls on these hard surfaces, instead of soaking into the earth, It flows into local waterways via storm drains. Waterways can quickly become overwhelmed and flood, damaging local flora, fauna, and even infrastructure. And, with water funnelling right into the ocean, it doesn’t have a chance to replenish our groundwater supply—a necessity for maintaining a healthy watershed year-round. As climate change progresses, the intensity and frequency of rainfall are expected to increase, making stormwater management a top priority in urban areas. Rain gardens are a proven part of the solution!
WHY HAVE A RAIN GARDEN?
Rain gardens provide critical food and shelter for wildlife. Spend time observing a local rain garden, and watch as bees, butterflies, and birds visit the hub of biodiversity! Check out our Pollinator Meadow Project for inspiration.
REDUCE WATER POLLUTION
ENHANCE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
MANAGE STORMWATER
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RAIN GARDENS REDUCE POLLUTION
IN RUNOFF BY 70–90%
READY TO BUILD YOUR OWN RAIN GARDEN?
SELECT YOUR SITE
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Follow where rain runoff flows naturally around your home. Mark out a level area, at least 3 meters from any building.
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Call your municipality and utility providers before you dig!
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Ensure the soil has sufficient drainage.
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CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS (THE FUN PART!)
A rain garden can be broken into 3 zones by moisture. Get creative and colourful when choosing your plants! We recommend supporting local organizations that sell native plants, such as Satinflower and Streamside.
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Zone 3: standing or flowing water
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Red-osier dogwood, wild rose, dagger-leaf rush
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Zone 2: moist area
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Douglas aster, thimbleberry, salmonberry
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Zone 1: drier area
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Coastal strawberry, mock orange, red flowering currant​​​​
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BUILD IT
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Dig to a depth of 85 centimetres or more.
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Fill the rain garden to 2/3 of the depth with a mix of sand and soil.
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Create an overflow outlet to prevent flooding during heavy rain events.
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Arrange your plants by their zone, water, and mulch.
That’s it! Rain gardens are naturally low-maintenance, but do check in on them, especially during dry spells.
Our friends over at Friends of Bowker Creek Society have put together an excellent collection of local resources to help you build your own rain garden. Visit their resource page here.
Learn more about the importance of rain gardens and stormwater management using the tool below!
Made by Friends of Bowker Creek Society.
With support from Ocean Wise, this project has been created in commemoration of the lives of all the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, including two Ocean Bridge ambassadors, Danielle Moore and Micah Messent. We aspire to carry on their legacy and commitment to making the world a better place by creating long-lasting impacts with a firm commitment to driving positive change for the environment and our ocean.
