Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Your Rain Garden
Rain gardens require minimal maintenance, but seasonal care ensures they function optimally. Here’s what you should do throughout the year:
- Spring – Check for winter damage, refresh mulch, and replant any lost vegetation.
- Summer – Water newly planted areas and remove invasive weeds.
- Fall – Trim perennials, collect leaves for compost, and inspect drainage paths.
- Winter – Monitor for flooding or erosion and clear debris from inlets.
Regular maintenance helps your rain garden remain effective year-round, providing long-term benefits to your property and the environment.
Success Stories: Seattle Communities Embracing Rain Gardens
Across Seattle, homeowners and communities have embraced rain gardens as a sustainable solution for stormwater management. One notable initiative is the 12,000 Rain Gardens program, which has helped install thousands of rain gardens across the city.
For example, a neighborhood in Ballard transformed an empty lot into a lush rain garden that now prevents street flooding and supports pollinators. Similarly, homeowners in West Seattle have taken advantage of rebates from RainWise to install personal rain gardens, reducing their water bills while improving local water quality.
These success stories showcase the power of community-driven environmental solutions.