There are many ways to beat the heat for your plants
this summer and to cut down on your water bill. One way is to plant
native, drought-tolerant species of flowers, shrubs and trees and use
drip irrigation on your vegetable garden. Rain gardens also help reduce
water usage and waste. These are landscaped areas depressed into the
ground that are strategically located to capture runoff. Learn more
about rain gardens by CLICKING
HERE.
Another option is to
actively capture and even collect rainwater and snowmelt. This process
doesn't have to be expensive. Water from your roof can be directed
through your downspouts to your landscaping; this keeps water from
simply being wasted by going into the storm drain instead of being used
for a good purpose.
Capture and use of
rainwater has been done for eons, farmers using rainwater collected in
barrels to water gardens and small livestock, such as chickens. Today,
with the number of people needing and using water, and the multiple
years of drought which can plague an area like Wyoming, use of rain
barrels makes sense. A rain barrel stationed at each downspout can
yield a decent amount of water for use on your garden or to water your
trees and shrubs. It can be simple to set up, again by directing your
downspouts into the rain barrel. You can construct or purchase rain
barrels.
To learn more about
rain barrel construction and placement, CLICK
HERE.
Additionally, an
interesting article and video about use of rain barrels is available
from This Old House. CLICK
HERE to access that information.
Be sure to check
with your city building codes and subdivision covenants before
installing rain capture items on or around your home.
