Rain Garden
Rain gardens are gaining in popularity in the BC Lower Mainland area as they are both aesthetically pleasing and functional; providing a solution for managing rainwater runoff.
-
'Caradonna' Meadow Sage (Salvia nemorosa) -
Autumn Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) -
Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) -
Beachhead Iris (Iris setosa) -
Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) -
Bluejoint Reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis) -
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) -
Camas (Camassia quamash) -
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) -
Cascade penstemon (Penstemon serrulatus) -
Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) -
Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) -
Common Rush (Juncus effusus) -
Deer Fern (Struthiopteris spicant) -
Dewey's Sedge (Carex deweyana) -
False Hellebore (Veratrum viride) -
Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) -
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) -
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) -
Hardhack aka Douglas Spirea (Spiraea douglasii) -
Henderson's Sedge (Carex hendersonii) -
Hooker's Willow (Salix hookeriana) -
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) -
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
Design & Practical Tips for a
BC Climate Rain Garden:
xxx: Choose species from dry sites (rocky slopes, open meadows, Garry oak ecosystems) rather than forest plants.
Plant in groups: 3–7 plants of the same species make a stronger visual impact and are easier for pollinators to find.
Mulch lightly with gravel or coarse bark at the start to reduce weeds and help establishment.
Start small and tough: Grasses, yarrow, blanketflower, kinnikinnick, and coastal strawberry make an excellent core mix.