Rain Garden UK’s online and practical workshops contain the same content, but the practical course allows time to get hands-on to put the taught skills into action in a safe and fun environment.
Our workshops focus on retrofiting DIY domestic rain planters (Part 1) and rain gardens (Part 2). We start where the rain runs off an existing roof and end when it soaks into the ground. Workshops take place in person or online and can be attended in any order. Each session is a mix of practical activity and presentations.
Previous workshops
14 Mar
Understanding Rainfall | How to Build a DIY Rain Garden (Part 2)
LOCATION: ONLINE
Not recorded and numbers limited to allow full participation.
Each course is a stand alone unit and Part One and Part Two can be attended in either order.
16 Mar
Rescuing Rain | How to Build a DIY Rain Planter (Part 1)
LOCATION: Marlborough, SN8 2AJ
An all day workshop with a Bring and Share lunch break.
Each course is a stand alone unit and Part One and Part Two can be attended in either order.
22 Jun
Rescuing Rain | How to Build a DIY Rain Planter (Part 1)
LOCATION: ONLINE (ZOOM)
Not recorded and numbers limited to allow full participation.
Each course is a stand alone unit and Part One and Part Two can be attended in either order.
16 Jul
Understanding Rainfall | How to Build a DIY Rain Garden (Part 2) – PRACTICAL
LOCATION: Baydon St Nicholas Primary School, Finches La, Marlborough SN8 2JJ
This practical hands-on course is aimed at homeowners and community groups who wish to learn the basics of managing the rain that falls onto a roof on a private property. We demonstrate how to retrofit a small rain garden to an existing garden. Rain gardens slow the flow of rainwater into the drainage system, helping to prevent sewer overload and flash flooding.
A rain garden is a simple step that most gardeners can take to reduce their impact on the environment. They are one possible component of a sustainable drainage system (SuDS).
The day is a balance of theory and practical exercises. Part of the day will be spent outside understanding the levels of a real rain garden, working on the planting and upkeep – with opportunities to take some rain garden plants home.
By the end of this workshop, you will:
- Understand the purpose and benefits of in-ground rain gardens
- Be confident to plan and construct a domestic rain garden
- Be able to source, position and maintain suitable plants
- Know where to find further information
- Have met like-minded people and shared a fun day
- Be inspired and feel empowered to create your own rain garden!
Please bring your own lunch. Refreshments will be provided.
(Part One of the course covers how to construct a rain planter. Part One and Part Two are stand-alone courses.)
Feedback from our workshops
“Great mix of theory and practical”
“The fabulous ideas and explanations”
“Small and large tips that make it seem really possible to implement”
“Inspiring examples and very clear, detailed instructions”
“Learning about water, climate change and what we can do about it”
“Being made to think about where our water goes in the face of climate change and urbanisation”
“Really enjoyed the background information at the beginning – learning about the river, drainage, sewerage systems”
“Helped understand why rain gardens are important and why you are doing it”
