Sump Pumps, Wet Yards & Manitoba Native Plants

Our yards will be well soaked this year with all the snow we’ve had over winter!! Once the spring rains start, your sump pump will be working around the clock removing water from around your home’s foundation and basement. Often during these times, the sump pump is spewing water for days – resulting in over-saturated yards! Did you know your sump pump discharge must remain ON your property and draining it anywhere else is illegal? *
One of the best ways to ensure your yard is not soaked with sump pump water is to incorporate native plants into your landscaping! Manitoba native plants suck up water like a dry sponge! The plants love water and prevent your yard from becoming saturated. Manitoba native plants also attract butterflies and birds and increase the biodiversity in your yard!
Workshop on Manitoba Native Plants
The City of Winnipeg is offering a series of workshops ($35) focused on incorporating native plants into your landscaped yard! Instructor John Morgan, prairie ecologist and restoration expert, will help you increase biodiversity in your back yard. Find out how prairie species can be included in your landscape designs, and why using native plant material is important and how they can act as sponges to soak up water. The workshops guide participants through site preparation, seed germination, and planting for flower beds or larger prairie restorations.
Register in advance for one of the following Prairie Planting Workshops:
- Monday, April 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Contact the Living Prairie Museum (2795 Ness Ave) at 204-832-0167 to register. The workshops are $35 plus GST
Sump Pumps
*It is illegal (and you may receive a fine) if you drain your sump pump:
- onto neighbouring properties,
- onto lanes or streets,
- onto sidewalks,
- onto boulevards, or
- into the floor drain in your home.
For more information, see Sump Pump Drainage