Garden Products
Rain, Rain…Don’t Go Away
Green means GO with the latest in rainwater harvesting.

Set to debut in 2009 is the latest in rainwater harvesting systems. With a focus on capturing, storing and reusing rainwater, this functional system appeals to the green gardener. Not only a sustainable irrigation system, it is also a perfect method for “retaining storm water in a beautiful, low-maintenance water feature,” states Craig Pisarkiewicz of MPR Supply.

In addition, this system allows the overflow water to restore groundwater reserves, and because it is self-sustaining, it will not need to be shut down during severe drought conditions, providing a low-maintenance, naturally balanced ecosystem.

“Naturally filtering through a pondless water feature, water is in constant recirculation – creating a natural ecosystem for aquatic plants and birds and removing concerns due to stagnant water,” says Jennifer Schamber of Greenscape Gardens & Gifts.

The addition of a downspout filter and a booster pump updates previous rainwater harvesting cisterns. The downspout filter captures and removes twigs, seeds and leaves from the runoff during rainfall, and a booster pump option increases the water pressure of the system for basic irrigation use.

Modular units are used to contain the harvested water below the ground’s surface. These units are shipped efficiently and set up on-site as opposed to the bulky reservoirs previously acquired. The new modular units provide storage holding options from 500 to 3,000 gallons of water for light irrigation use in the yard.

A reduction in water and sewer expenses are also potential benefits of using a rain harvesting system – as a good percentage of residential water use is for outside purposes.
Plant experts agree on the benefits of natural rainwater for healthier plant growth and flower production. With rainwater harvesting systems on the horizon, consult your irrigation professional to see the newest options for a beautiful landscape.