#Rain Barrels

[that-punk-adam]

I bet the rain catcher’s of the Midwest are going crazy right now; the tropical system of Helene has come up to Ohio finally and we’re getting rain.  we’ve been going through drought for a few months, and it is just a huge relief to finally be able to have rain. My trashcan that I use to hold my water has almost been empty for the past two weeks. 

[mathewvq]

Garden Beds - Landscape

Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone and wood fence raised garden bed in spring.

[bladebalancers]

 The Best Irrigation Systems for Lawns: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Irrigation is a critical element in maintaining a lush, healthy lawn. A well-watered lawn can withstand droughts, grow thick and green, and resist pests and diseases. The right irrigation system for your lawn depends on factors like your lawn size, water pressure, climate, and budget. In this guide, we will explore the best irrigation systems available to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.

1. Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems are the most common irrigation solutions for lawns, offering broad coverage and efficient water distribution.

In-Ground Sprinkler Systems: These systems are designed for permanent installation, with sprinkler heads placed in the ground. They can be customized to cover different areas of the lawn with adjustable spray patterns. Some advantages include even water distribution, low maintenance, and long-lasting performance.

Best For: Large lawns or lawns with irregular shapes.

Advantages: Efficient, customizable, and can be set on automatic timers.

Disadvantages: Higher installation cost and maintenance.

Pop-Up Sprinklers: These are a variation of in-ground sprinklers, designed to rise above the ground when the system is activated and retract when not in use. This helps prevent damage from mowing and provides effective coverage.

Best For: Residential lawns with medium to large sizes.

Advantages: Low maintenance, durable, and effective for various lawn sizes.

Disadvantages: Initial installation cost may be high.

2. Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems are designed to deliver water directly to the root zone of plants. These systems are ideal for watering flower beds, garden areas, and lawns with specific watering needs.

How It Works: A network of tubing delivers water through small emitters or drippers directly to the soil, ensuring precise and efficient water usage.

Best For: Smaller lawns or areas with drought-resistant grass and plants.

Advantages: Water conservation, reduces runoff, and promotes deep root growth.

Disadvantages: Not ideal for large lawns or areas with heavy grass coverage.

3. Soaker Hoses

Soaker hoses are a more affordable option for watering your lawn. These hoses are designed to slowly release water along their length, making them ideal for evenly watering flower beds or garden areas.

How It Works: Soaker hoses are porous, allowing water to seep through the entire length of the hose as it’s laid on the ground. They are particularly useful for vegetable gardens or flower beds where consistent moisture is needed.

Best For: Small lawns or garden beds.

Advantages: Affordable, easy to install, and water-efficient.

Disadvantages: Less effective for larger lawns or areas with poor drainage.

4. Smart Irrigation Systems

In recent years, smart irrigation systems have gained popularity due to their advanced technology and ability to save water while keeping lawns healthy. These systems connect to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to control watering schedules remotely.

How It Works: Smart irrigation systems use weather data and sensors to adjust watering times based on current weather conditions. They can be programmed to run during off-peak hours, reducing water waste.

Best For: Homeowners with large lawns who want to optimize water usage.

Advantages: Water-efficient, remote control, customizable schedules.

Disadvantages: Higher upfront costs and some technical learning curve.

5. Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are a sustainable way to water your lawn by collecting rainwater for future use. They can be connected to downspouts to capture runoff water from roofs, which can then be used to irrigate your garden or lawn.

How It Works: A rain barrel is connected to the downspout of your home’s gutters, capturing rainwater and storing it for later use. This system is usually gravity-fed or can be outfitted with a pump for added pressure.

Best For: Eco-conscious homeowners looking for a sustainable watering option.

Advantages: Eco-friendly, cost-effective, reduces water bills.

Disadvantages: Limited water storage and reliant on rainfall.

6. Choosing the Right Irrigation System

When selecting the best irrigation system for your lawn, consider the following factors:

Lawn Size: Larger lawns typically benefit from in-ground sprinkler systems or pop-up sprinklers, while smaller lawns may do well with soaker hoses or drip irrigation.

Water Efficiency: If water conservation is a priority, drip irrigation and soaker hoses are more efficient compared to traditional sprinklers, as they deliver water directly to the roots.

Budget: Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses are more affordable, while in-ground sprinkler systems and smart irrigation systems have higher upfront costs but offer more convenience and efficiency.

Climate: In dry areas, smart irrigation systems and drip irrigation can help reduce water waste and keep your lawn healthy with less frequent watering.

7. Hiring a Lawn Care Service Near Me for Irrigation Solutions

If you’re unsure which irrigation system is best for your lawn, consider consulting a lawn care service near me. Professional landscapers can assess your lawn’s size, soil type, and watering needs to recommend the most efficient system for your situation. They can also help with installation and maintenance, ensuring your lawn stays well-watered year-round.

Conclusion

Choosing the best irrigation system for your lawn depends on various factors such as lawn size, water efficiency, and budget. Whether you opt for an in-ground sprinkler system, drip irrigation, or a more sustainable solution like rain barrels, each system offers unique advantages. For personalized recommendations and professional installation, consider reaching out to a lawn care service near me.

[uptodatehome]

Rainwater Collection Systems 101: How to Harvest Water Sustainably

As we face increasing water scarcity and rising utility costs, many homeowners are looking for sustainable ways to manage water usage. One such solution is the rainwater collection system, a simple yet effective method to harvest and utilize rainwater for various household purposes. Whether you’re an eco-conscious homeowner or simply looking to reduce your water bills, installing a rainwater…

[alt-ctrl]

Elegant Simplicity: The Unsung Hero of Environmental Solutions

In a world teeming with complex problems, we often find ourselves reaching for equally intricate solutions. But what if the key to solving our most pressing environmental challenges lies not in grandiose schemes, but in the realm of elegant simplicity? Welcome to the counterintuitive world of minimalistic eco-solutions, where less truly is more, and small changes ripple out to create tidal waves of positive impact.

The Plastic Paradox: How Tiny Tubes are Saving the Oceans

Picture this: you're sipping a refreshing beverage, feeling the weight of the world's plastic pollution problem on your shoulders. But wait! The very straw you're using might just be the hero we need. Enter the humble metal straw – a prime example of how thinking small can lead to big changes.

The single-use plastic straw, once a ubiquitous symbol of convenience, has become the poster child for environmental wastefulness. But its demise has given rise to a minimalist revolution. Metal straws, reusable bags, and glass containers are the new cool kids on the block, proving that sometimes, the most effective solutions are also the simplest.

"But surely," you might say, "my one little straw can't make a difference?"

Oh, but it can! It's time to embrace the butterfly effect of eco-friendliness. When cafes offer discounts for bringing your own cup, they're not just saving you money – they're cultivating a culture of sustainability. It's like a domino effect, but instead of falling flat, we're building a greener future, one reusable container at a time.

Urban Jungles: Where Concrete Dreams Go Green

Now, let's take a stroll through the city. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, you might spot an unexpected oasis – a pocket of greenery reclaiming a once-vacant lot. Welcome to the world of urban green spaces, where city planners are playing a real-life game of "SimCity: Eco Edition."

These verdant patches are more than just pretty faces in the concrete jungle. They're working overtime as nature's air purifiers, heat reducers, and mood boosters. It's like giving the city a green makeover, but instead of just looking good, it's actually doing good.

Take Copenhagen, for example. The Danish capital has embraced the green roof movement with such enthusiasm, you'd think they were trying to camouflage the entire city from alien invaders. But these rooftop gardens are doing more than just hiding from extraterrestrial eyes – they're creating habitats for urban wildlife, managing stormwater, and making the city more livable for its human inhabitants.

But why stop at rooftops?

Imagine a city where every vacant lot is a potential garden, every wall a vertical forest. It's not just urban planning; it's urban planting. And the best part? It doesn't require a Ph.D. in environmental science to implement. Just a bit of soil, some seeds, and the willingness to get your hands dirty.

Water, Water Everywhere, But Not a Drop to Waste

Now, let's dive into the world of water conservation. In a plot twist worthy of M. Night Shyamalan, it turns out that saving water doesn't require high-tech gadgetry or a degree in hydro-engineering. Sometimes, all it takes is a barrel.

Enter the humble rain barrel – the unsung hero of water conservation. These simple containers are like piggy banks for liquid gold, collecting rainwater that would otherwise go to waste. It's like nature's version of "reduce, reuse, recycle," but with more splashing.

But the water-saving saga doesn't end there. Low-flow fixtures are turning our homes into water-conserving fortresses, one drip at a time. And for those with a flair for the dramatic, there's xeriscaping – the art of creating gardens that thrive on neglect. It's like the lazy person's guide to saving the planet, where doing less actually means achieving more.

"But surely," you might protest, "these small changes can't possibly make a real difference?"

Oh ye of little faith! In drought-prone regions, homeowners who've embraced these techniques are watching their water bills shrink faster than a puddle in the Sahara. And municipalities that incentivize water-saving measures are seeing their reservoirs stay fuller longer. It's not just a drop in the bucket – it's a sea change in how we approach water conservation.

The Paradox of Simplicity

As we've seen, the most elegant solutions to our environmental challenges often come wrapped in the simplest packages. It's a paradox worthy of Zen philosophy: by doing less, we achieve more. By simplifying, we solve complex problems. By thinking small, we make a big impact.

So the next time you're faced with an environmental challenge, resist the urge to overcomplicate. Instead, channel your inner minimalist. Ask yourself: What's the simplest solution? What small change could create a ripple effect? How can less be more?

Remember, in the grand tapestry of environmental solutions, it's often the tiniest threads that hold everything together. So grab your metal straw, plant a rooftop garden, and save some rainwater. You might just save the world while you're at it.

If you’ve enjoyed this article please consider sharing it or buy me a Coffee

[lizbethart-blog]

Just Wanted To Tell You A Bit About Annie...

A gold band on her ring finger. Engraved orange blossoms nearly unrecognizable. Barely a hint of a design. I had known Annie to wear it always. Her mother’s wedding ring. The band represented something that never was to happen for her. Engaged the once. Annie’s father broke it off so she would care for him after her mother’s death. A woman’s role. A woman’s job… The Civil War had ended not long…

[jensownzoo]

We got an inch of rain early yesterday morning and three inches this morning. All my rain barrels (5) and all of the numerous storage containers (cat litter jugs) are full.

Apologies to those living in a flood plain, but I am dancing with glee. All those things except for two litter jugs had been emptied during the heat wave and lack of significant rainfall and I was watching my vegetables die and getting quite anxious about everything. Particularly given that the spring had been so promising.

For context, except for the five ollas, I rely on rainfall to water the garden as I have no working outside spigot. If this keeps happening I'm going to have to shift entirely to drought-resistant crops and be sad.

It would be lovely if I could set up a grey-water system to help out. I'll have to do some research into how to macgyver one up because I definitely don't have the $$$ to get a standard system. If I did, I could just fix my plumbing issues and problem solved.

[ariella-monti]

A lesson on stormwater management using snippets from LET IT RAIN

[bondsofeveryonessouls]

Driveway Driveway

Ideas for a large, traditional front yard with concrete pavers and full sun in the summer.

[justgetclosertome]

Modern Landscape An example of a mid-sized modern partial sun backyard landscaping with decking.

[versailling]

Contemporary Wine Cellar in New York Wine cellar - mid-sized contemporary slate floor wine cellar idea with storage racks

[elevate-rp]

Landscape Garden Beds A picture of a medium-sized raised garden bed in the spring in a full-sun, Mediterranean-style backyard with a stone and wood fence.

[lucylovesfood]

Easy tips for #Best #RainBarrels with #Reviews

[flickering-nightfall]

[slutpoppers]

[jensownzoo]

Okay I finished phase 5, the final phase, of the replacing part of the front lawn with a garden bed project exactly a week ago. Though I was ELATED to be done, at that point we hadn’t had any significant rain for nearly four weeks (everyone surrounding the city had had plenty—just that weird warming column that comes from so much asphalt and concrete dried up every storm that passed over :-/) and with a clay-and-fill-rock soil that I was literally breaking up by hand...well I couldn’t move my hands for typing up a post for some time afterwards! But here it is:

The eggplants look a little sad about being transplanted, but they’ve since recovered. I’ve got four varieties—Black Beauty, Ping Tung, Antigua, and Thai Frog’s Egg—to give me a nice mix. I interplanted with clover, nasturtium, and candytuft. Then on the slope down to the sidewalk (bordered by some salvaged concrete edgers colored with teal concrete stain I picked up on clearance years ago), I basically threw every seed I had that was over 8 years old. Mostly flowers and herbs, but it will be an interesting mix. There were so many seeds that if even 1% germinate, that slope will be packed. Which will help with the erosion that would happen otherwise.

I had some old panels of wire fencing that I installed in two offset rows behind the edgers to keep people and dogs from walking on the loosened soil. Also found two pieces of pound-in plastic edging that had a serrated-style bottom—which due to my rock problem didn’t “pound in” but I had to make a trench—that I put in along the side with the grass to help keep the zoysia from immediately crawling over into the much nicer fertilized area.

Anyway, we finally got a bit of rain this week, and just in time too since I’ve been hand-watering with buckets of water from the rain barrels and they’d run completely dry the day before. We had a storm yesterday that completely filled all three of them, so I’m feeling much less anxious. The tomatoes LOVED the rain—just look at how much they’ve shot up in only a week:

You can see that I had to start the Florida weave, which is going really well in the front row since I managed to get those tomatoes planted in a straight line. I was going for a vee in the back two rows, but ended up with curves which is not working well for the weave. I think it will fix itself as the plants grow taller though.

The nice straight row:

And the rows that you can laugh at:

But even though getting this garden bed in and planted is done, I still have related projects to accomplish, namely:

I think my dad gave me the barrels something like 15 years ago to convert into rain barrels. At the time I didn’t have the know-how nor easy internet access so they ended up shoved in the garage (and I bought pre-made ones later). Dragged them out and gave them a base coat of brown spray paint to prevent algae growth (since they were translucent white). I’ve got the bulkheads and a hole saw on order. I’ve got old screening and roughly a 1/4 tube of silicone (leftover from the diy olla project). I know I have at least one spigot, but I need to look through my plumbing supplies a little more closely. Anyway, one of the barrels held Mountain Dew syrup and I’ll be putting that one on the front porch to water the new garden bed. I’m going to have to reroute a downspout for it though since all mine currently dump at the rear of the house. The other held industrial cleaner and will be reserved for scrubbing out pots and similar. I kinda wanted to get this all done before the heat and mosquitoes arrived, but oh well.