UC DAAP students lead the way in sustainable rain garden design

Their latest project? A rain garden carved into a campus green space designed to filter stormwater while encouraging native plants to thrive.

With shovels in hand and a vision for a greener future, their rain garden design does more than just beautify — a clever fusion of science and nature that will help the campus manage rainwater runoff far more efficiently.

For these students, the act of planting isn’t just a pastime. It’s the foundation of a career in fields as varied as urban landscape management, arboriculture and sustainable urban planning.

Situated near UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) Annex building, between Probasco Street and Riddle Road, the garden has already become a microcosm of UC’s commitment to sustainability.

“Our campus serves as a living laboratory where students can actively engage with sustainability concepts,” says Alex Román González, UC’s sustainability coordinator. “Projects like the rain garden allow students to experiment with real-world solutions, seeing firsthand how ecological design can positively impact urban landscapes.

“This hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow’s green cities.”

The concept is as simple as it is impactful. Depression zones in landscapes — those areas where rainwater tends to pool — can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes and lead to soil erosion. But with the installation of bioswales, which are landscape features that collect polluted stormwater runoff, soak it into the ground and filter out pollution, as well as efficient drainage systems, UC has long been on the forefront of sustainable rainwater management.

Under the guidance of Brian Grubb, assistant professor and program coordinator for UC’s horticulture program, and in collaboration with UC Sustainability, DAAP horticulture students are tying the green vision to a functional goal: efficient water management. The initiative expands on UC’s existing bioswales and green spaces that help manage stormwater campuswide, underscoring a broader commitment to reducing runoff and creating resilient landscapes.

“Plants are the secret weapon here,” says Grubb. “In selecting regionally adapted North American native species, we’re not only managing water more efficiently but also promoting biodiversity.”

The rain garden, spanning 100 feet by 25 feet, encircles a stormwater drain in a previously underutilized green space. This patch of ground, which once collected water with little benefit, is now a thriving ecosystem thanks to students’ carefully selected plant species. Lower-lying areas feature moisture-loving Ohio natives like woodland phlox and rose milkweed, while the slightly elevated edges sport drought-tolerant varieties like purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan.

For Grubb, the rain garden represents more than an environmental solution — it’s a hands-on learning experience that can launch students into careers focused on sustainability. Whether it’s green architecture, urban agriculture or landscape design, UC’s horticulture program prepares students for the increasingly vital task of creating greener urban environments.

“Certifications in green roofs, sustainable landscape design and urban horticulture are opening doors for our students,” says Grubb. “We’re building the skill sets that will enable them to pursue meaningful careers in areas that will shape the green cities of tomorrow.”

Aligning with UC’s nationally recognized green campus initiative, horticulture students agree with Román González and consider the campus a living laboratory where they are learning to shape the future of urban landscapes. Through a combination of practical experience and innovative ecological design, students are turning green spaces into functional, sustainable habitats.

As UC continues to expand its green infrastructure, projects like this rain garden serve as both a teaching tool and a testament to the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

“These gardens serve as living examples of what urban landscapes can achieve,” Román González adds. “They bring purpose and life to our green spaces, allowing students to see firsthand the impact of sustainable practices on our campus.”

Each plant chosen for the garden serves a purpose, from filtering stormwater before it reaches local rivers to supporting local wildlife through pollinator-friendly blooms. It’s a project that underscores the deep connection between horticulture and ecological processes — one that positions UC students to be better prepared at the front of the green movement.

In the words of Grubb, “We’re not just planting gardens; we’re planting futures.”

Learn more about UC Horticulture.

Featured image at top: UC DAAP horticulture students prepare the soil and plant appropriate native species for a new campus rain garden. Photos by Melanie Schefft