Many plants that are native to the Pacific Northwest are well suited for use in your rain garden. Because of our rainy winters and dry summers, these plants have adapted to soil conditions that mimic those of a typical rain garden. In addition, native plants attract and feed the songbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are native to the Pacific Northwest.

All rain gardens have three zones, and the plant choices are tailored for the conditions in each:

1. The center area of the rain garden, where soil stays completely saturated for long periods of time and there is frequently standing water during the winter months. Plants chosen for this zone will have to be able to thrive with very "wet feet," so you'll want to consult plant lists that are tailored for creek edges and backyard ponds.
2. The margins around the center area, where soil is saturated frequently and there may occasionally be standing water during the winter months. Plants chosen need to be able to thrive in moist soil conditions, so consult plant lists tailored for bogs.
3. The upper perimeter, where soil may only occasionally be saturated. These plants will need to be able to thrive in drier conditions than the plants in the other two zones, so there are many more options to choose from.

Helpful Plant Tips

• Ideally, all the plants chosen should also be drought tolerant, so that you seldom (if ever) have to do summer watering once they are established.

• If you want the rain garden to blend seamlessly into your landscape, choose plants that echo the color and texture of your existing shrubs or perennials. The upper perimeter of the rain garden may be able to contain plants that are closely related or identical to your existing plants.

• To make the rain garden a focal point, use plants with a structure, color, and texture that are not present in the rest of your landscape.

• To attract songbirds, use plants that bear fruit or seeds for them to eat. To attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, use plants that have wide, flat flowers, which are an easily accessible nectar source.

• For more information on plant selection, visit the websites listed in the resource section.