Rain Garden
This garden design was for Nick and Spencer of Solar Punk Farms in Guerneville, CA. Solar Punk Farms is a non-profit climate hub focused on bioregional regeneration. They host community events, education workshops and more, by and for the queer community. When I saw that they were looking for someone to do a work-trade to help them with a garden design, I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer!
Featuring lots of California native plants, this garden design is all about supporting local pollinators. I included several host plants for butterflies, such as Milkweed and California Pipevine. The site had drainage issues, so I was asked to come up with a design for a rain garden that could handle the seasonal flooding. Luckily, there are lots of California native plants that are perfect for these conditions. I used plants like the Red Osier Dogwood and California Rush in the deepest areas, as they like the extra seasonal water. Douglas Iris, Hummingbird Sage and a Western Redbud are further up the slope, providing color and habitat.
I am so happy to be able to contribute to their mission of inspiring individual climate action and empowerment. I can’t wait to see how this garden fills in and supports the local community.
Concept Plan for the rain garden and fruit tree guild. This design shows the existing citrus trees with a mix of edible plants (including berries and herbs) as well as native plants. Native Milkweed is featured in this design to support monarch butterflies.
Section view of the rain garden design for Solar Punk Farms in Guerneville, CA. This design features a mix of California native plants and edible plants. I included several butterfly host plants in this design to support local pollinators.
