The conditions in this garden are characteristic of seasonal streams found throughout Central Texas. Also called a “rain garden,” when there is rain at the Wildflower Center, water runoff will flow and soak into this low depression alongside the Administration building. Rain gardens absorb and filter storm water runoff from impervious structures such as roofs and paved areas. This helps prevent contaminants from polluting our aquifer, erosion of soils, and flash flooding.

Not all plant species will tolerate the seasonal floods and droughts that occur in this garden. The native plantings of bushy bluestem, bush palmetto and bald cypress thrive in this environment. By surveying before planting, gardeners can optimize and leverage the naturally occurring conditions of a site.