Put rainwater to work.
Native planting for rain gardens & bioswales on Long Island
A landscape can do more than look beautiful. Rain gardens and bioswales use plants, soil, and thoughtful grading to help manage stormwater while creating space for native vegetation. White Oak Native Plants sources plants and coordinates planting installation for these living landscape features.
Talk with us about your project
Two approaches to a shared goal
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a shallow planted depression that receives runoff from areas such as roofs, patios, or driveways. It temporarily holds water after rain and allows it to soak into suitable soil. It is designed to drain between storms, rather than remain a permanent pond.
What is a bioswale?
A bioswale is a gently sloped, vegetated channel that receives and conveys runoff. It can slow the flow, help filter sediment and pollutants, and—in suitable conditions—allow some water to infiltrate. Its linear form can fit along driveways, property edges, and other drainage routes.
Why they matter near the water
Runoff can carry sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants from developed areas toward bays, creeks, and wetlands. Properly designed planted stormwater features can intercept and treat some of that runoff before it reaches receiving waters. They complement the protection provided by native buffers.
They can also add seasonal color, texture, and habitat to a part of the landscape that otherwise serves only as a drainage area. A thoughtful mix of native grasses, flowering perennials, and shrubs can make stormwater management an attractive feature of your property.
Native plants matched to the conditions
These planting areas can be wet after a storm and dry between rain events. Plants must suit that changing moisture pattern, as well as sunlight, soil, salt exposure, deer pressure, and mature size. The bottom of a basin may need a different plant mix from its drier upper edges.
We select and source plants around the site conditions and the project’s planting plan. Native planting should support the drainage function while fitting the surrounding landscape.
Start with the site
A successful project begins with understanding where water comes from and where it can safely go. Soil drainage, groundwater depth, slope, contributing runoff area, nearby structures, utilities, septic systems, and an overflow route all affect suitability.
For projects that require engineered stormwater design, grading plans, or permits, those elements should be established by the appropriate project professionals before installation. White Oak coordinates the native planting work with that design. A rain garden or bioswale is not a substitute for addressing coastal flooding or an unsuitable drainage location.
How White Oak can help
- Plant selection and sourcing: Native plants suited to the moisture zones and planting plan.
- Planting installation: Coordinate installation within a prepared rain garden or bioswale.
- Restoration planting: Replace invasive or unsuitable vegetation where removal is part of the project.
- Establishment care: Guidance on watering, weeds, and replacement needs as plants take root.
We work with homeowners and project teams on both stand-alone planting projects and features included in approved landscape or stormwater plans.
Keep it working
Rain gardens and bioswales need maintenance. Keep inlets and overflow routes clear, remove accumulated debris and excess sediment, manage invasive growth, and replace plants that fail. Newly planted areas need care while roots establish. Persistent standing water or erosion should prompt a review of how the system is functioning.
A more useful landscape starts here
Have a rain garden or bioswale plan ready for planting—or want to explore native planting for a stormwater feature? Tell us about your property and goals.
Contact White Oak about rain gardens & bioswales
Based in East Quogue. Serving Long Island.
Learn more: EPA: Types of green infrastructure · EPA: Rain gardens