rain catchment systems are quickly moving from “cool” to necessary. the practicalities of providing processed water to maintain lawns and properties are quickly becoming so problematic in some areas that it is no longer an option. the area i live in has been fortunate and blessed in having an abundance of water such that we are allowed to water every second day. but in all conscience, i wonder at throwing thousands of gallons of fresh clean water into the ground. two summers ago as part of a bet with a neighbour we didn’t water our lawns all summer. the result? well we had some brown patches and shorter grass. the following summer our lawns were invaded by grubs - a feature of our no longer using pesticides - well i stopped four years ago - but in the end, i didn’t and don’t really care or worry about the presence of a lovely emerald green lawn. many people do.
my neighbours have for the most part, made the transition from chemically maintained lawns to open discussion around a new approach to what our “front lawns” will actually look like and consist of. there is so much history in suburbia connected to uniformly green lawns that it is very hard for people to connect to the idea that dandelions and clover and wild grasses might actually have a place. i have researched the variety of options available that at one and the same time bridge the gap between what looks good and what works for the neighbourhood and the environment.
the next step for me is to be the first on my street to take the next step!
in the meantime, how best to take my garden off the processed water cycle? well, installing rain barrels seems most obvious so here is what available.
home hardware will sell you this attractive rain barrel which comes complete with a removable planter on top. it’s dimensions are roughly 24 inches by 43 inches so it takes up very little space. it will set you back roughly $150.00. for more information have a look here.
if you are able to locate barrels (with lids of your own) then this kit might be just the ticket for you to set up your own rain catchment system. the garden watersaver is available from a number of suppliers in western canada. ringing in at under thirty dollars, this is a very handy and simple solution to storing rainwater.
here’s a company in the whitby / oshawa area that will sell you rainbarrels and it looks like they can also sell you the previous product...
here’s a video of their product at work:
interested? then you can contact them here:
1390 Hopkins Street, Unit 5
Whitby, Ontario
905-666-2002
envirosponsible
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