Samantha Porzelt, Water Resources Agent for Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties
Rain gardens are landscaped depressions strategically placed to capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops, driveways, and compacted lawns. Designed to mimic natural water infiltration, they filter and absorb runoff, reducing erosion, flooding, and pollution while replenishing groundwater. Rain gardens help remove contaminants before they reach local waterways. Although often considered low-maintenance, rain gardens still require routine care to remain effective, especially as the summer heat arrives.
Samantha Porzelt, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Rain gardens should be routinely monitored to ensure successful establishment. During periods of prolonged drought, provide supplemental water by hand as needed. Regularly inspect plants for signs of disease, and consult your local extension agent for guidance on diagnosis and treatment. Avoid using pesticides on native plants, as many are host plants for native insects and pollinators. When addressing pests, proper identification is key. If necessary, remove pests manually. To learn which native plant species function as host plants in your region, visit the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder. Be proactive in identifying and removing invasive plant species and unwanted weeds by hand or with a garden tool. Summertime maintenance can also include cutting back spent flower heads to promote repeat blooming and prolong flowering throughout the season.
After completing your garden maintenance, enjoy the fruits of your labor, such as vibrant blooms, lush foliage, and the activity of pollinators and wildlife. Observing and identifying the birds, bees, butterflies, and caterpillars visiting your garden can be a fun and educational summer pastime. Expanding your native plant knowledge strengthens your garden’s role in supporting local ecosystems. Check out two upcoming educational opportunities on rain gardens:
- The South Carolina Native Plant Certificate Elective: Rain Gardens
Join Samantha Porzelt, Clemson Extension Water Resources Agent, for an elective class for all those interested in rain garden design, installation, and native plant selection. Rain gardens are landscaped depressions that collect water runoff and allow it to infiltrate, thereby reducing stormwater pollution and flooding. These native plant garden beds can be constructed at most residential sites. All classes are open to the public. If you would like to pursue the South Carolina Native Plant Certificate Program, all core classes plus four electives are required for completion.
For more information, please visit the registration page linked below or contact Sue Watts atwatts9@clemson.edu
- Master Rain Gardener Certificate Track
Master Rain Gardener is a program focused on rain garden and rainwater harvesting system design and installation. The Master Rain Gardener (MRG) course will provide design standards, and the knowledge-based skills set necessary to install rain gardens and rainwater harvesting systems on a residential scale. Rain gardens and rainwater harvesting systems offer residents and landscape professionals a management tool for flooding on property, erosion prevention, incorporation of native plants and backyard habitat into the lawn, and the establishment of a low-irrigation landscape.
The Certification Track is intended for contractors, landscape designers, landscape installers and other professionals who will install residential-scale rain gardens and rainwater harvesting systems for pay. To achieve certification, individuals must complete four weeks of Master Rain Gardener online course content, attend a full-day, in-person training, and pass the course exam. Recognition as a certified Master Rain Gardener can serve as a marketing tool for professionals. The Certification track is open to residential audiences who wish to participate in the field day. The Master Rain Gardener Certificate Track has a mandatory field day that will be held on October 14th, 2025, in Georgetown, SC.
For more information and to register, please visit this link: https://MRG2025.eventbrite.com or contact Samantha Porzelt at sporzel@clemson.edu
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
