Rain, rain GO AWAY.

Well doesn't that just stink.  It has rained all day.  We were not able to get out and play today; however, tomorrow is certainly looking more promising for us.

Since there are no fun pictures of plants or landscaping today, let's take this opportunity to discuss a much overlooked staple that every gardener...scratch that... every HOUSEHOLD should have.  

RAIN BARRELS.

It is always wise to plan ahead for the hot, dry months and conserve as much water as you can now.  Spring is the perfect time of year to fill your barrels!  Rain water can be collected by diverting house or garage gutters into rain barrels.  There are many types of rain barrels available from plastic to honest-to-god wooden barrels.  Wooden barrels are gorgeous in a garden setting, especially when combined with the use of a rain chain.  But beauty has a price.  Prices that I found online range from about $50 - $500.

Most towns, in an effort to "go green", offer rain barrels to residents at discounted prices.  Check with your city/town hall to see if they participate in any such programs.  A few years ago Plainfield started a similar program at which time we purchased two rain barrels. They sit at the back corner of our house, both near garden areas.  They are very useful come July/August when mother nature gives you thirsty plants and very little rain. 

Rain barrel set up is simple.  After you have your barrel in place (and have diverted water into the barrel), simply attach a hose to the bottom spigot or you can use a watering can.  They also make pressurized systems now so that the water actually has some "oomph" coming out of the hose.

We built a trellis in front of our air conditioning unit (and rain barrel) for aesthetic purposes.  During the summer/fall months, it is covered with sweet autumn clematis.  TIP:  Have you run out of gutters or only have room for one barrel?  Try connecting them.  Our two barrels are connected so that the lower barrel will collect any overflow from the top barrel. 

REMEMBER:  during the hot, dry summer months when most towns have water restrictions in place, you will still have a thriving garden when you use rain barrels.