Green roofs and rain gardens
Yard Talk - dirt simple tips for natural yard care
Episode 12: "Green roofs and rain gardens"
The Woodland Park Zoo's green roof looks natural while slowing stormwater and helping protect local streams.
A green roof is not only better for Puget Sound, it can be a great place to socialize (or film).
Planting your rain garden provides a healthy opportunity to work with friends, family and neighbors.
This Rain Garden Manual will walk you through the planning and building of a rain garden step by step.
View episode twelve - green roofs and rain gardens, Windows Media Player, 16:19 Min.
View episode twelve - green roofs and rain gardens (RealOne Player).
Synopsis: Our homes have an impact on the environment. When water flows off of paved surfaces, compacted ground, and rooftops and rushes into streams, it deposits pollutants and scours streambeds. Everyone can help reduce their impact on Puget Sound through innovative technologies including green roofs, rain gardens and pavement that allows water to soak into the ground.
How to reduce your impact on Puget Sound
- When building driveways or sidewalks, choose materials that allow rainfall to soak into the ground such as pavers or permeable pavement.
- Direct water running off your roof and paved areas into a rain garden. These gardens look fantastic and do an excellent job of cleaning stormwater.
- Before building or remodeling, check and see if a green roof may be right for your plans.
- If you are buying a home, look for a four star or five star Built Green certified home.
- If you are building a home, keep the footprint as small as possible.
- Shrink your lawn with a native plant landscape.
Greg's tips & tricks
Build a rain garden
Show resources
Seattle Public Utilities High Point Project *
*External link.
Please note: This list of resources is provided by King County as a courtesy to the public and does not endorse or guarantee the quality of the service offered or provided.
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Yard Talk is brought to you by KCTV and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.
For questions about this Web page, please contact Doug Rice, Water and Land Resources Division.