Rain Garden
Our Rain Garden plays a very important role in helping the park and local waterways stay clean and healthy.
Contaminated rainwater from the Visitor Center roof, sidewalks, and parking lot flow to the natural depression that we transformed into the garden.
Native and Florida-friendly plants were selected for their ability to thrive in extended periods of standing water and drought. The roots of plants along with the soil, filter the water before it enters the aquifer. Self-regulated absorption reduces flooding and erosion. This natural filtration system conserves water, reduces pollution, and provides a rich habitat for plants and wildlife.
Help the environment. Create a beautiful rain garden at your home or business.
Plants Suitable for a Rain Garden in Sarasota County | ||||
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Courtesy of Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead | ||||
Common name | Scientific name | Description | ||
Blue flag iris | Iris virginica | FL native | ||
Goldenrod | Solidago spp. | FL native | ||
Swamp sunflower | Helianthus angustifolius | FL native | ||
Spider lily | Hymenocallis lirisome | FL native | ||
Muhly grass | Muhlenbergia capillaries | FL native | ||
Wire grass | Aristidastictavar beyrichiana | FL native | ||
Firebush | Hamelia patens | FL native | ||
Gamma grass | Fakahatchee grass | FL native | ||
Button Bush | Cephalanthus occidentalis | FL native | ||
Canna lily | Canna spp. | FL native | ||
Leather fern | Acrostichum danacfolium | FL native | ||
Cinnamon fern | Osmunda cinnamomea | FL native | ||
Marsh hibiscus | Hibiscus coccineus | FL native | ||
Wild coffee | Psychotria nervosa | FL native | ||
Dwarf palmetto | Sabal minor | FL native | ||
Bald cypress | Taxodium distichum | FL native | ||
Swamp milkweed | Asclepias incarnata | FL native | ||
Cardinal flower | Lobelia cardinalis | FL native | ||
Coontie | Zamia integrifolia | FL native | ||