Stood in a flooded parking lot in Portland and finally got why rain gardens matter

Last winter we had that big atmospheric river event and I was stuck in a Target parking lot in Portland with water up to my ankles. The drains were completely overwhelmed and the whole lot turned into a pond. A city worker came by and explained that the old pavement couldn't absorb anything, and that's when I got why rain gardens work. I ended up digging a small one in my own front yard this spring and it handled a 3 inch downpour without a single puddle. Has anyone else put in a rain garden or bioswale and noticed a difference in your neighborhood?

2 comments

2 Comments

theawest1mo ago

Seen that exact same lot turn into a proper lake during heavy rain.

jackson.sarah1mo ago

That Target lot turned into a pond thing is EXACTLY what made me research rain gardens after hearing a landscaping podcast about how much water they can soak up. @theawest is right, I've seen that same lot flood twice now and it's annoying how the pavement just sends the water everywhere. My little garden has been a lifesaver this summer, it held every drop from a crazy storm while the street was still running like a river.