CNP Rain Gardens and More 

This course is an elective course and provides 4 hours toward the completion of the Certificate in Native Plants program.

A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground that captures stormwater runoff, and infiltrates it into the soil -- benefitting water quality while also providing a unique opportunity for gardeners.  The sandy, intermittently wet soils of rain gardens offer opportunities to create unique plant communities that might not thrive elsewhere on your property.  In this way, rain gardens create "microhabitats," increasing the diversity of habitat you offer to wildlife.  Want to increase the number of beneficial predators in your yard, such as toads, salamanders, and dragonflies? Want to create a space for kids to play that "comes alive" during a rain?  Be sure not to miss this class.

Class will focus on methods of design and construction of a rain garden, as well as some great native plants to consider.  By the end of the class, students should be well-equipped to build a rain garden of their own.  We will also explore bog gardens and water gardens, for those with poorly-drained sites.  Resources on planting design, materials, and cost-share opportunities will be provided.  

Instructor:  Wyn Miller is a Landscape Architect for the City of Chattanooga.  In her previous role as Water Quality Specialist, she developed policy and guidelines for vegetated green infrastructure practices, taught homeowners about sustainable landscaping practices, and designed and implemented rain gardens.  She has a Masters of Landscape Architecture, Water Resources, from the University of Tennessee.

Registration Policy:  As with all Certificate in Native Plants classes, class size is limited.  To give everyone the best opportunity to participate, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $10, with the balance refunded if you cancel at least 7 calendar days before the class will be held.  If the class is cancelled by the instructor or the CNP program, registrants will get a full refund.  

If you do not pay online, you will need to mail your check to Wild Ones-Tennessee Valley Chapter, 4918 Marlow Drive, Red Bank, TN 37415.  Please put the date of the program in the memo line as well as the last name of the person you are registering.  You will not be registered until your payment is received.