Urban Applications for Ecological Horticulture:

Raingardens

The day will begin with a 2-hour lecture on raingardens, including variations, applications, design, functions and benefits. Raingardens will be explored in the context of horticultural applications that provide ecosystem services to the built environment. Participants will then complete a design exercise that will discover the range of creativity possible while maintaining similar functional goals of a project. The rest of the day will be spent first gaining an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of a new raingarden near the Education Building at The Oregon Garden. After that, participants will work to plant this new raingarden, learning about innovative planting techniques and species selection. Although this feature will incorporate all the conventional goals of a raingarden, it is also designed for research capability as well as integration of innovative propagation and water quality treatment functions, and so it will be unique in many respects from a more conventional raingarden.

This workshop is designed for horticulture or landscape design students; Master Gardeners; Oregon Garden volunteers/members; green industry or urban planning professionals who want an introduction to rain gardens for stormwater management; or homeowners looking for new solutions to drainage and ponding.

Fee of $105 includes hand-outs, lunch, and admission to The Oregon Garden.

This workshop is taught by SPROut.

To register, visit Chemeketa Community College's Natural Resources Department website.

Approved by the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board for 8 credits toward certification renewal.