Rainwise Rain Garden Services
Certified RainWise Contractors in Seattle and ShorelineYour Yard is Connected to the Puget Sound
Storm water runoff is the leading cause of pollution to the Puget Sound and surrounding rive basins. As the rain falls in the PNW, it runs off our roofs, driveways, lawns, and other hard surfaces carrying pollutants such as grease, pesticides, and fertilizers with it. These pollutants then gather in our groundwater or overflow into storm drains, eventually reaching the streams, wetlands, lakes, and marine waters that we love.
To help reduce the amount of storm water that overflows into sewage pipes and contaminates our groundwater, we can build cisterns to capture water, or rain gardens to capture, filter, and help with groundwater infiltration of runoff.
These features can help recharge local groundwater sources, attract wildlife, and provide habitat. They can also help save on irrigation needs and address drainage or erosion issues in your yard.
If you have further questions see our frequently asked questions below!
Where to Start:
Test Your Soil Percolation
In order for a rain garden to work, your soil will need to drain at a sufficient rate. You can conduct a soil test on your own or we can do it for you! This is an important step to determine if a rain garden is right for your space. If you are unsure on placement, check multiple locations around your site.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to get started, complete our RainWise Questionnaire and a member of our team will review it and connect with you to schedule a site visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rain garden?
Rain Gardens are one of several tools to manage rainwater on your property. A rain garden is an area of your property that is designed to absorb and filter stormwater from impermeable surfaces. Rain gardens create temporary ponding and holding areas during rain events and use plant material and a specific soil mix to filter water before entering the water table. They are also an area that can provide habitat for pollinators and create added beauty to your landscape.
Is a Rain Garden a pond?
Rain gardens are sized to accommodate temporary ponding after it rains and are not meant to be permanent ponds. This is why we test soil infiltration before digging – to make sure the temporary ponding water will drain into the landscape and not require artificial drainage or circulation.
Are RainWise Gardens free?
RainWise provides a wonderful rebate program, but it is exactly that – a rebate. The installation and design of the garden will still need to go through the same process as any other installation. Most often, designs can be simple sketches that will be covered in the initial consultation fee. From there, depending on how intricate you would like your rain garden or cistern set-up to be, we will write a quote for installation. Once installation is complete, we will give you an invoice for our services and setup a rain garden and/or cistern post-inspection. You will then need to fill out the remaining paperwork, which we can help you submit to the city, and they will write you a check for the rebate sum. Generally, Seattle Rainwise will cover up-to $7,000 depending on how much of your roof size is captured. and Shoreline will cover up to $2,000.
How do I test my soil percolation?
You need to complete the soil percolation test.
Seattle Residents Start Here: Soil Infiltration Test
Shoreline Residents Start Here: Soil Infiltration Test
Once you have completed the paperwork, please submit it to info@shootingstargardens.com. If you need help, we can do it for you, please request assistance when you reach out.
Am I eligible for a rain garden rebate?
What is the typical rebate?
Generally, Rainwise will cover up to $7000 depending on how much rainwater you capture off of your roof. Rainwise rain gardens are $7.57 per square foot and cisterns are $5.78 per square foot. Shoreline Soak It Up offers up to $5,600 for rain gardens or native planting beds.
Can I get a Cistern and a Rain Garden?
Yes! In fact, we can install both and have them working together. Cisterns need overflow points and that overflow point can flow directly into the rain garden, allowing the rain garden to take up less space, and save more water from overflowing into storm drains or into groundwater systems!
How big does my Rain Garden need to be?
This will depend on your soil type (percolation rate) and the amount of water you would like to direct into your rain garden. If you would like to play around with different sizes to see what will work, ask us to send you a link to the rebate calculator.