Consider Rain in Garden Design
Rainwater is a valuable commodity in any garden design and without rain your garden would find it difficult to survive. Sadly many of the places we choose to live suffer from a lack of rain. To exacerbate this problem still further scientists are constantly warning us that the long hot summers and colder, wetter and windier, winters are likely to get hotter and drier, and, colder and wetter respectively due to the effects of global warming. We are continually being told that we simply use far too much water and even in places such as England (which we often consider to be rainy) regularly suffers drought conditions and it would appear that there are now annual hose pipe bans. With this in mind it is extremely important that we start to put a little more emphasis on rain garden design and this article examines how the "green" gardener can develop better practices.
Giving Nature A helping Hand
Although we can recycle much of the water we use any plant prefers rainwater. Tap water is not always suitable and, as in the case of hard water (which lime hating and ericaceous plants hate), it may even need special treatment before applying it to the garden (see tips below). The best way to water your plants is to use rainwater collected by yourself.
Rain garden design is all about planning ahead. When it is raining your plants will not need watering, simple as that. However during dry periods all of your plants will be in dire need of extra moisture. By adding one, or preferably two or more (connected together with a short hose), water butts to the pipe leading from the roof of your home, garage or other outbuilding, you can collect a substantial amount of water but remember to always have your butts raised sufficiently as to allow a container or watering can below the tap!
Try to keep the tops of water butts covered so that small creatures do not come to harm by falling in and to stop other rubbish, such as leaves, fouling the water. You should also add a metal mesh to the top which can be removed and cleaned regularly of any debris carried down the pipe.
A Few More Tips About Water
If you live in a hard water area you can use small quantities on most plants. In such cases you should boil the water first and allow it to cool before use but you can also add a handful of used teabags or tea leaves to the water to help to increase acidity.
Never add tap water directly to ponds especially if your water supply is chlorinated. It is far better to leave the water standing for a day or more in large containers before adding it to the pond.
When watering your garden avoid wetting the petals of flowers. If you get water onto a flower which is then exposed to strong sunlight it is highly likely that it will be scorched. If you have to use a sprinkler use it in the evening when the sun is at its weakest.
Rain Garden Design Summary
Water conservation is becoming increasingly important and by collecting rainwater that would simply wash away otherwise you are not only saving the planet but you are also giving your plants exactly what they desire most - rainwater.
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