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.
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Autumn Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) -
Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) -
Beachhead Iris (Iris setosa) -
Bluejoint Reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis) -
Camas (Camassia quamash) -
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) -
Cascade penstemon (Penstemon serrulatus) -
Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) -
Common Rush (Juncus effusus) -
Deer Fern (Struthiopteris spicant) -
Dewey's Sedge (Carex deweyana) -
False Hellebore (Veratrum viride) -
Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) -
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) -
Hardhack aka Douglas Spirea (Spiraea douglasii) -
Henderson's Sedge (Carex hendersonii) -
Hooker's Willow (Salix hookeriana) -
Monkey Flower (Mimulus guttatus) -
Narrow-leaved Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) -
Oval-leaved Bilberry (Vaccinium ovalifolium) -
Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) -
Pacific Water Parsnip (Sium suave) -
Pacific Willow (Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra) -
Red Columbine (Aquilegia Formosa)
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.