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When East City homeowners Andrea Hicks and Haydn McBride needed a solution to runoff issues from their driveway, they chose to use Ecoraster’s Bloxx product and had the skills to install it themselves. Once the grid is laid, everyone can help place the blocks. They are very happy with the result and always keen to share their experience with the many folks who stop to ask them about it. (Photo by Andrea Hicks, homeowner)
By Sasha Harrison, social media and brand strategist for Horlings Garden Centre & Landscape Design and Johnston’s Greenhouse & Landscaping
GreenUP works with the City of Peterborough to deliver the Rain Garden Subsidy program. Two of these gardens were installed by Johnston’s Greenhouse and Landscaping in 2024. Johnston’s also cares for the rain garden at Spa Euphoria downtown. GreenUP appreciates the leadership of Johnston’s in working to bring sustainable solutions into their business model.
Sustainable landscaping should be more than a trend — it should be an essential part of a community’s future. One way to support this vision is to implement permeable solutions into landscaping projects.
Much outdoor space around homes and businesses are dedicated to paths, patios, and driveways. Impermeable surfaces can overwhelm stormwater systems due to flooding, absorb and retain heat leading to higher temperatures in urban areas, and carry pollutants (such as oil) into nearby water sources while negatively affecting the health of humans and wildlife alike.
Utilizing options such as rain gardens and permeable pavement help reduce stormwater runoff and promote a healthy ecosystem. A rain garden is a specialized garden designed to capture and absorb stormwater runoff from surfaces like roofs, driveways, and sidewalks. Directing water into a bowl-shaped rain garden filled with native plants mitigates flooding, which helps reduce strain on a city’s stormwater system, and supports local biodiversity by supporting native plant species that attract local pollinators. Rain gardens can be designed to suit any yard size and require minimal maintenance.
While rain gardens are a fantastic choice for managing stormwater onsite, permeable pavement is on the rise as a viable option. Permeable pavement products can offer a low-maintenance, durable solution for driveways, walkways, and patios. Unlike traditional concrete or asphalt, permeable pavement technology allows stormwater to flow directly through the “hard” surface and into the soil, thereby reducing the amount of runoff that reaches the stormwater system.
This image shows a cross-section of Purepave, highlighting its porous structure that allows water to drain through into the aggregate base below, reducing runoff and preventing surface pooling. (Photo provided by Horlings Garden Centre & Landscape Design and Johnston’s Greenhouse & Landscaping)
There are several options when it comes to permeable pavement. Some of the more popular choices include Ecoraster, Permeable Pavers, and a new medium called Purepave.
The Ecoraster system is made up of a highly durable open cell grid made from 100 per cent recycled plastic that can be filled with concrete blocks, gravel, or planted soil. The open cell grid design decreases fill compaction and keeps channels open for water to soak through. Ecoraster is a simple, eco-friendly solution well suited for high-traffic or utilitarian areas, such as the boulevard outside of the GreenUP office in downtown Peterborough.
Permeable Pavers are specialty blocks designed with spaces that allow stormwater to flow through and infiltrate the subsoil below. Concrete pavers come in many shapes, and can be laid in many different configurations, but actual permeability depends on factors like base material, joint width, and joint fill type. With proper installation and maintenance, permeable concrete pavers can be a long-lasting, aesthetic option.
This photo showcases a Purepave poolside installation, highlighting its seamless, slip-resistant surface designed for safety and durability. The permeable structure allows for efficient drainage, reducing water pooling while maintaining a sleek, modern look. (Photo provided by Horlings Garden Centre & Landscape Design and Johnston’s Greenhouse & Landscaping)
Purepave is designed with a unique aggregate mixture and binder that create tiny, consistent gaps which allows rainwater to pass through, reducing runoff and replenishing local groundwater. This also helps prevent puddling and ice buildup, making it a safer choice throughout the year. Though more costly up-front, Purepave is long-lasting and resistant to cracking or shifting. Purepave is available for purchase and installation through Johnston’s and Horlings.
Whether looking to add a rain garden or try permeable pavement, there are numerous ways to incorporate sustainability into landscape design. Embracing permeable solutions for hardscaping needs can help reduce flooding, improve water quality, and foster a healthier environment for future generations.
Haydn McBride and son Wilder work together to prepare the base layer for their permeable driveway made with Ecoraster’s Bloxx. For any permeable pavement application, it is important to use a thick layer of crushed and clean open aggregate as a base to allow for water to drain at a rapid rate. Any permeable landscaping project must have a permeable base layer to be effective. (Photo by Andrea Hicks, homeowner)
Let’s build a greener future, one permeable project at a time.
Learn more about Johnston’s Greenhouse and Landscaping here.
Learn more about Horlings Garden Centre & Landscape Design here
GreenUP works with the City of Peterborough to deliver the Rain Garden Subsidy program. Click here to check out garden templates and get in touch if you’d like to install your own rain garden this spring!