I now have four rain barrels to assist me with summer watering.

I was fortunate to get the 55 gallon plastic drums free. Their previous contents were not harmful. A quick rinse and they were ready for use.

The barrels are being used on a roof without gutters. I used a jigsaw to cut the tops out of the barrels. Hardware cloth was used to make a cover for the barrels. This helps to keep debris out of the barrels. The barrels were then lined under the edge of the roof to catch the runoff.

I plan on just dipping the water out of the barrels and use it for spot watering. I’ll still have to use the water hose. It just won’t be as often.

It wouldn’t take much to drop in a small submersible pump to empty the barrel. This could pump to the water to the garden or used to fill a bucket.

I could have made them with a drain valve at the bottom. But I was trying to keep costs minimal.

Adding a valve is usually easy. Most barrels have two openings on top. these are generally two inch pipe thread. Using reducer fittings will allow you to add a drain valve. The barrel would then be turned upside down and supported off the ground on blocks to allow space for the valve.

The second opening could be used to connect a second barrel and so on. This system would allow multiple barrels to drain from one valve.

This approach would work very well for connecting to a downspout. All that is needed is one hole cut in a barrel to allow the downspout to be redirected to the barrel.

Quick tip: I try to save as much water as possible. Whether it’s saving the water you rinse vegetables with or the water left from the ice that melted in the cooler. It all can be dumped into a rain barrel and be used on your plants.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

The Junior Master Gardener program is coming up. This is a wonderful opportunity for the kids to gain some knowledge and have some fun!

See the links below for ages and times.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

This one in Monroe: http://www.monroetalks.com/events/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=102010

This one in Temperance: http://www.monroetalks.com/events/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=102011

This is my favorite part of the spring season.

My garden is nearly all planted. All that is left are the pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and a row of sunflowers.

The landscape project I was working on has been completed.

Now I have time for the fun stuff. Watching it all grow!

It is also time to begin the smaller projects, I’m planning an arbor to grow birdhouse gourds on. I want to build a raised bed to plant more raspberries in. I’ve also been working on a couple of rain barrels. I have lots of project ideas.

I’d better hurry before the weeds start to grow!

I’ll see you in the backyard!

The project is done! It was completed for only $204.

You can see all the details on my LANDSCAPE ON A BUDGET page.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I was cleaning up the patio in preparation for the Memorial Day weekend.

It just needed a couple tiny weeds removed from the cracks and a layer of sand swept into the joints in a few places. Spraying it down with the hose completed the task.

I thought I would pass on a few tips for repairing any damage to your patio.

This tip will work for you whether you’re replacing a broken block or just raising an area that may have sunk. It is very easy to remove a broken patio stone. You don’t have to worry about breaking it. If the block is undamaged I try to put screwdrivers on opposing sides and lift the block out. When the base has been repaired you are ready to reinstall, or install a new, block.

I like to use a bar clamp when reinstalling that block. When the clamp is reversed it acts as a spreader. By placing the spreader in the opening, you can attempt to give yourself a tiny bit more room by opening up the space slightly. This helps a lot when installing a block somewhere other than an edge. A small block will just drop in place.

If you are using larger blocks it takes more effort to place one without damaging the base or your fingers. By using the bar clamp as a clamp you can prevent those problems. Clamp onto the block as high as you can while keeping a grip on it. Place the block into its place and release the clamp. It should drop perfectly into place.

Once you’re sure the repair is satisfactory sweep sand into the cracks and wash it in.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I will have the first landscape on a budget project completed soon.

It has taken some time as I’ve been looking for extra ways to save. Another reason is that I’ve added to my project. I have saved enough to  stretch  a little more out of my budget.

I should be finished and have a complete report after this Memorial day weekend. I will also be posting some pictures of the project.

If you go to the LANDSCAPE ON A BUDGET page you will see a recent post regarding my budget for this project.

A quick tip- Perennials make a great addition to the landscape.They are rather inexpensive to buy by the flat. They grow quickly and look wonderful in the landscape.

I’ll see you in the backyard!