Downspout Garden

Our free Planting Guide for this garden includes a larger version of the illustration, a detailed layout diagram, a list of plants for the garden as shown, a list of alternatives for each plant, and complete instructions for installing the garden. (Free, one-time registration allows unlimited access to Planting Guides for all garden plans.)

Downspouts have a knack for keeping their surroundings moist for much of the year. This problem-solving garden plan was designed with plants that can thrive in moist soils, including low, wet spots in your yard. Tall joe-pye weed grabs attention away from the downspout; pink turtlehead, dwarf sweetflag, and lobelia camouflage the area around the opening. This garden will do best on the east, west, or north side of a building; a southern exposure may be too hot, or dry out too quickly.