It's all about the water...

Living in the desert allows a gardener to think of differing ways to water without creating an ever rising water bill. I believe I mentioned in an earlier post that each gardening season I build from the previous season. Last summer my water collection practices comprised of buckets and differing small water catchment items like unused gardening pots to catch the torrential downpour from the seasonal monsoons. This year, as the building continues, I upgraded to an actual water catchment barrel. A canning company located in the Sulphur Springs Valley, on the east side of the Mustang Mountains, re-sells their barrels that once contained peppers for this exact purpose. Now I understand that this is not something new, many folks have been doing such a thing for quite some time now. But, this is new in my world, and fancy in terms of the standards in which I live.


 Not only is the water catchment a new desired tool of mine, but from what it catches is as well. As a friend moved onto the compound, she brought along with her an apartment sized washing machine that is now hooked up outside. No more laundry mat for the occupants of one particular home on Opera Dr. Nope, washing abilities are out the backdoor with solar dryers. Oh how the little things make the difference.

Yes sir-ee, the ol brothel that sits on the hillside now washes clothing outside, and catches the water to be used in the garden. What a concept! Water that once went in the sewer now goes in the garden (special soap required).

Now, little by little, I will add to my collection of water catchment barrels and will successfully catch rainwater this summer as well.

The sprouts of lettuce above have grown, and many more have sprouted. Once most have sprouted, the water from the catchment can be used.

Many more great things are happening with this little garden, worms, recycled planters, and even Lady of Guadalupe, but one must wait......