RainScaping Guide: Resources
Plant Selection Resources
  • Chapter 2: Rain Gardening and Stormwater Management [pdf] (see pages 23–31)
  • Chapter 4: Landscaping with Native Plants [pdf] (see pages 24–34)
    which includes plants for:
    • Native Groundcovers (see pages 25–26)
    • Clay Soil Conditions
    • Screening and Hedges
    • Limestone Soils (pH 7.5 or higher)
    • Acidic Soils (pH 5.5 or lower)
    • Full Shade/Rich, Moist Soil
    • Part Shade/Dry Soil
    • Well-drained Dry or Rocky Soil in Sun
    • Deer Resistant Native Plants
    • Seeding Guide Resources
  • Metropolitan Sewer District Rain Garden Plant Lists:
  • Shaw Nature Reserve’s list of Top Performing Native Plants for Home Landscapes [pdf]

  • Our Plant Suggestions Lists:
    These plant lists contain suggestions for plants appropriate to plant in and around rain gardens, bioswales, low wet areas, ponds, woodlands, and for landscaping alternatives to lawn grass. There are two lists below. One is for areas that are typically moist and the other is for the surrounding, drier landscape. While these lists are fairly comprehensive, they are just a sampling of plants that are easy to grow and easy to find at local nurseries and garden centers:

 
Plant Sources
Plant ID Resources

 

Seeding Guide
Shaw Nature Reserve Native Landscaping Manual:
 
Soil Testing Resources
University of Missouri Extension – St. Louis County
121 S. Meramec Ave., Ste. 501
Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 615-2911

EarthCo Soil Testing Inc.
You order a soil test kit online; kit is mailed to your home and you mail it back with sample for analysis.)

Sugar Creek Gardens
1011 N. Woodlawn
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Phone: (314) 965-3070
  • Download a flyer [pdf] from the University of Missouri Extension for more information on getting your soil tested, and for a list of drop-off locations.

  • Do-it-yourself soil testing kits are available online from The Gardeners Warehouse. Soil test kits are also available online  at Amazon.com.

    •  
    Composting Resources
    From the University of Missouri Extension: From Missouri Botanical Garden's William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening:
     
    Maintenance Resources
    Erosion & Sediment Control Resources
    GeoJute and other erosion blankets, both biodegradable and permanent are available from:
    ASP Enterprises
    www.aspent.com
    1099 Cassens Industrial Ct.
    Fenton, MO 63026
    Phone: (800) 869-9600

    Eco Constructors
    www.eco-constructors.com
    Phone: (636) 561-3158

    Hummerts International
    www.hummert.com
    4500 Earth City Expressway
    Earth City, MO 63045
    Phone: (800) 325-3055

    St. Louis Hardscape Material and Supply
    www.hardscapeofstl.com
    Phone: (636) 519-9955
    Straw wattles and compost sock check dams are available from:
    ASP Enterprises
    www.aspent.com
    1099 Cassens Industrial Ct.
    Fenton, MO 63026
    Phone: (800) 869-9600

    Eco Constructors
    www.eco-constructors.com
    Phone: (636) 561-3158

    St. Louis Hardscape Material and Supply
    www.hardscapeofstl.com
    Phone: (636) 519-9955

     
    Green Roof Resources
     
    Permeable Pavement Resources

     
    Rainwater Harvesting Resources

     
    Lawn Management Resources

     
    Woodland Restoration Resources

     
    Local Contractors
    Additional Resources
    • Native Landscaping Manual List of Resources

    • Grow Native!
      Grow Native! provides individuals, organizations, schools and government agencies with information, education and training materials that help them discover and use native plants. Local native plant suppliers are also listed.

    • Show Me Rain Gardens
      Regional water quality initiative promoting rain gardens.

    • Bring Conservation Home (St. Louis Audubon Society)
      The St. Louis Audubon Society's Bring Conservation Home program offers advice in landscaping with environmentally healthy and sustainable native plant species, the removal of invasive plant species such as bush honeysuckle, water conservation on the urban landscape and other stewardship practices that promote healthy habitat for birds, native wildlife and people.

    • Rain Gardens: Helping Nature in Your Own Backyard
      This University of Nebraska–Extension interactive graphic is an intuitive, easy-to-follow guide to rain garden design.

    • Tried and True: Missouri Native Plants For Your Yard by Barbara Fairchild
      This publication lists more than 100 Missouri native plants for your yard with detailed information and characteristics on each plant.

    • Native Landscaping for Wildlife and People by Dave Tylka
      This book offers numerous ideas for enjoying nature around your home while benefiting wildlife and beautifying your property.