April showers bring May rain garden flowers

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance garden that is both beautiful and functional, look no further than a rain garden.

Spring is finally here and as garden centres start to fill up with colourful stock, you may be thinking of ways you can enhance your garden or yard. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance garden that is both beautiful and functional, look no further than a rain garden.

What is a rain garden?

Rain gardens are designed to help excess water, such as rain and snow melt, soak back into the ground. This helps reduce the amount of water entering storm sewers and helps to prevent contaminated water from entering our waterways. These gardens are often packed full of native plants and flowers, that help to feed and shelter pollinators while also soaking up and naturally filtering water. They are planted in a bowl-shaped depression filled with loose soils that help rainwater get captured and then seep into the ground. 

Rain gardens are easy to plant and you can customize how they look. They can be planted anywhere, including at the end of a downspout or at your boulevard, and can be any size you would like. They are the perfect addition to your home to help manage rainwater coming from your roof, driveway or overflow from a rain barrel. 

Depending on where you live in the city, you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $2,500 towards your rain garden. Visit the Rain Ready Ottawa page to see if you’re eligible and learn how to apply. You can check out our e-learning courses on how to plant a rain garden, or learn about other things you can do around your home to manage rainwater. 

Looking to plant in the City-owned boulevard next to your property? Boulevard gardens are encouraged, but there are some rules to follow. Visit the residential boulevard gardens page to learn more.

Before you go plant shopping:

Did you know that many local nurseries and garden centres still sell plants that are invasive in Ontario? Just like invasive animals, non-native plants can harm the local ecosystem. Invasive plants aren’t permitted to be planted in boulevard gardens and should be kept away from natural areas. These plants include common species like:

• Daylily
• Goutweed
• English Ivy
• Periwinkle

A full list of invasive plants and noxious weeds that are prohibited in the boulevard is available online. There are many native perennials that return year after year and are hardy to Ottawa’s diverse climate, and more nurseries and garden centres are starting to carry them. Be sure to check out these local sources, species suggestions and related resources before you go shopping to learn about which species are native to Eastern Ontario and which would be best for your property. 

Related topics

• Rain Ready Ottawa
• Wildlife, plants and garden care