Veggielution Community Farm Biochar Stormwater Basin

In 2024, a regenerative rain garden was installed at Veggielution Farm in San Jose, transforming a flood-prone bioswale into a sustainable stormwater solution. Previously overwhelmed by stormwater runoff from nearby pavement, uphill parking lots, rooftops, and sidewalks, the site now filters pollutants and sediments through a biochar-enhanced garden designed using ReScape California’s 8 regenerative landscaping Principles.  

This collaboration between Veggielution, ReScape, Earth Foundries, the North Santa Clara Resource Conservation District and Sonoma Ecology Center showcases how green infrastructure can restore ecosystems, improve water quality, and create green job opportunities. The project received a ReScape rating and served as a training ground for ReScape’s local workforce development.  

ReScape Score

74

Address: 647 South King Road, San Jose, CA 95116 

Project Owner/Developer: Veggielution Community Farm

ReScape Rater: Sarah Gronquist

Landscape Size: 2500 sq ft

Grounds Open To Public? Yes

ReScape Landscape Highlights

• All areas planted with drought-tolerant plants in soils fed with compost and mulch to help prevent water evaporation. 

• Plants chosen and spaced to not require shearing. 

• All mulch made from recycled and local plant trimmings.

• 5 cubic yards of organic compost used to provide food and nutrients to the plants.  

• Riprap sourced from the local Santa Clara County Stevens Creek Quarry. 

• Project reduces GHG emissions by 1.4 metric tons; equivalent to a CO2 decrease of 1543 lbs. of coal burned. 

• Drip irrigation system linked to water sensor that signals the irrigation to self-adjust as needed, and designed to slowly release water directly to the roots of the plants.  

• Irrigation controller solar powered which reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources lowering the overall carbon footprint, and minimizes energy consumption by ensuring that water is only used when necessary. 

• Biochar incorporated into soil to retain moisture by increasing water holding capacity. 

• Bioswale basin planted with native juncus or California grade rush which is naturally adapted to wetlands and survives both drought and flood. 

• Juncus provides important habitat for beneficial native insects and enhances local biodiversity supporting various species of insects, birds and other wildlife.  

• The biodiversity strengthens the ecosystems resilience providing promoting natural pest control and reducing the need for chemical interventions