The Red House Rain Garden at Inlet Pond County Park

Rain gardens are shallow depressions for soaking up stormwater to support trees, shrubs, and flowers that tolerate both wet and dry conditions. This rain garden, designed by Robin Simmen for irrigation with rainwater captured from the roof of the Red House, was planted by Master Gardeners in October 2017 with species native to Long Island and has been thriving ever since.

Replacing a former lawn in front of the North Fork Audubon Society’s Roy Latham Nature Center, this garden now provides year-round habitat for birds, insects, turtles, rabbits and other wildlife. An extension of the garden is underway.  

Rain gardens are low maintenance but require seasonal upkeep several times a year: weeding, pruning, dividing perennials, and transplanting. North Fork Audubon Society seeks volunteers to help keep this demonstration garden, where the native plants are labelled, looking its best for the public. 

For more information, email rsimmen@northforkaudubon.org.