Rain Gardens 101: Manage Rain Water, Support Wildlife with Ashley Haywood

Rain Gardens 101: Manage Rain Water, Support Wildlife with Ashley Haywood $35.00

Sunday, May 31 2026, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Meet at ABG Visitor Center (indoor class)

In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how rain gardens can help manage runoff, reduce erosion, and support pollinators—all while adding beauty to your landscape.

We’ll start with the basics: what a rain garden is, how it works, and where it might fit in your yard. We’ll also explore how recent landscape changes and increasing storm intensity can lead to standing water and faster runoff, especially around impermeable surfaces like driveways, roofs, and compacted soils.

From there, we’ll walk step-by-step through the process of designing and installing a rain garden, from site selection to soil preparation and planting. You’ll also be introduced to regionally appropriate plant palettes for both sun and shade conditions.

Whether you’re dealing with drainage issues or simply want to garden with water in mind, this class will give you the tools to get started.

Instructor: Ashley Haywood is a native garden designer and founder of Wild Ash Consulting, with a passion for helping people reconnect their landscapes to the natural systems of the Southern Appalachians. As a Master Rain Gardener and certified in streambank repair, she focuses on managing water where it falls—supporting healthier soils, stronger ecosystems, and more resilient creek systems.

COST: $35 for non-members, ABG members receive 25% off

CLASS SIZE : 40

**ABG Members: to apply your member discount, enter the coupon code: CLASSES25 at the checkout page. **