The City of Lakes Rain Garden

Demolition of parking lot and planting of the rain garden began in fall 2009.

In its first “official” growing season, spring of 2010, the garden is thriving. We’ve had heavy rains and the plants are all settling in well.

The rain garden at CLWS replaces impervious surface with flowers, shrubs, and even trees. On a walk around the garden, you may notice wood fern, ostrich fern, turtlehead, and tree species such as aspen and bur oak. The plant species are all native to Minnesota, which is important because these plants are adapted specifically to our climate and weather. This means they require less maintenance and are more likely to do well here.

In addition to being beautiful, the garden also provides habitat for species of native insects, such as butterflies and dragonflies. The trees and shrubs will provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, and they’ll produce berries and seeds—important food sources for birds and small mammals alike.