Flowers? Spa Day? Jewelry? Nope... I asked for a rain barrel for Mother's Day! I'm not sure why I get so excited about collecting rainwater but I do! I found this rain barrel on Craig's list and Mark drove to Lawrenceville (a neighborhood in Pittsburgh) to pick it up the day before Mother's Day. The person selling them converts plastic barrels previously used to transport food by placing a spigot near the bottom and drilling holes in the top. We figured from the smell inside and the "Greece" imprint on the side that this barrel was used to hold olives. I think that's pretty cool! The barrel holds 55 gallons.
I have grand ideas of painting this one with colorful designs, but we'll see. I'll keep you posted as we get it all hooked up and collecting fresh rainwater!
Here are some of the benefits of collecting rainwater:
Rainwater is not chlorinated, so it's better for watering plants.
Rainwater is soft and I've heard great for washing your hair (or rinsing gardening dirt off your feet)
Collecting rainwater reduces run-off, especially if you have a larger system.
It's a free source of water!
It conserves water, a limited natural resource.
It avoids the chemical and mechanical processes that your water must go through to be potable. (Washing the car and watering plants does not require potable water.)
Think about getting a rain barrel for yourself... it's strangely satisfying to collect rain for the garden!
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