By Vanessa Richins

While the water from rainstorms is mostly beneficial for your garden, it can also bring hazards elsewhere.

One such problem occurs when polluted storm water runs off into lakes and rivers.

It can also erode the shorelines.

Another problem that can occur is an abundance of mosquitoes. These pesky insects like to lay their eggs in standing water. The more stormwater that can collect into pools, the more possibilities for mosquitoes to be born, bringing annoying pain and possible diseases.

One remedy for both problems is a rain garden. One state that is encouraging its residents to create them in Minnesota. The Minnesota Star-Tribune explains how they work, “Experts say a well-designed rain garden can hold water for Read the rest of this entry »

By Cindy Naas

I think that gardeners have a special responsibility to take care of the land we work on, and finding new ways to preserve resources is one way to care for our earth.

Using an old idea, a rain barrel, is one new way to preserve the local water supply and grow a healthier garden.

Many gardeners find that their plants thrive when watered with the collected rain water which is free of chlorine and unfluoridated.

There are several approaches to saving rain water. You can buy a large rain barrel at many retailers both online and in garden centers.

These have the advantage of being easy to use- simply take home and run a drainpipe directly into the reservoir. However, many rain barrels can be expensive, and some aren’t Read the rest of this entry »

By Vanessa Richins

One of the most common problems in a garden is over-watering.

Even though one may have the best intentions, plants are usually given much more water than they really need. Here are some tips on how to save water in your urban landscape.

1) One of my most important rules is pretty simple : In the summer, don’t water between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm.

Why? During those times, it is usually hot enough that the water will only vaporize, and most of the water won’t reach the plants If you have plants that are wilting, you can certainly give them a good long drink. Otherwise, Read the rest of this entry »