Jan from Roadhouse Nursery created a Rain Garden to collect the runoff from the driveway and allow it to filter into the ground instead of going directly into our ponds and polluting them with road oil and antifreeze from Central Valley Road.

Individuals or groups are welcome to view the Rain Garden at the nursery during business hours. It is best to call ahead to arrange a tour by Jan.

Zone 1 plants tolerate very wet conditions

Acorus gramineus Japanese sweetflag perennial*

Acorus g. ‘Ogon’ Golden japanese sweetflag perennial*

Acorus g. ‘Pusillus Aurea’ Dwarf golden japanese sweetflag perennial*

Acorus g. ‘Variegatus’ Variegated Japanese sweetflag perennial*

Cornus sericea ‘Kelseyi’ Dwarf redtwig dogwood shrub

Eriophorum angustifolium Cotton grass perennial*

Juncus patans ‘Elk’s Blue’ Elk’s blue rush perennial*

*evergreen

Zone 2 plants - tolerate occasionally wet conditions

Azalea viscosum Swamp azalea shrub

Bergenia crassifolia Winter blooming bergenia perennial*

Blechnum spicant Deer fer perennial*

Caltha palustris ‘Multiplex’ Double Marsh Marigold perennial

Iris siberica Siberian Iris perennial

Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’ Little Henry Sweetspire shrub*

Juncus inflexus ‘Afro’ Blue corkscrew rush perennial*

Primula veris Cowslip perennial

Polystichum munitum Western sword fern perennial*

Schizostylis coccinea Crimson flag perennial

*evergreen

These plants and many others suited to rain gardens are available at your local independent nurseries.

Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington Homeowners - WSU Pierce County Extension:
A digital copy of the handbook can be downloaded from http://www.pierce.wsu.edu/lid/index.html

Click on above pictures for full-size images.

Clean Water Partner for Business Stormwater Management Award for our rain garden installation.