On Saturday we created a water collection system that will hold a half -tonne of rainwater. (All we need now is the rain.)
So I knew that a garden needs water, and a good rain collection system would be a much loved resource in future. I got a hold of some perfect barrels by putting as WANTED: rain barrels posting up on hrm_freecycle. They were delivered by Steven Spinney of Acadia Seaplants, with a lovely note. They are big, blue, 200L, and had held Certified Organic seaweed fertilizer. There is downspout that comes down into the garden, making temporary puddles in the garden after a heavy rain.
One of the first folks to a garden workparty was Derek, and upon further inquiry, he is a plumbing apprentice. Naturally, I asked him about interconnecting rainbarrels. I know how important they are, and roughly how I saw them going together, but I do not really know the technicalities . In the emails and on the blog we invited input and suggestions, but none came. Derek asked some of the boys at work, we chatted about strategies, and he went out to the plumbing supply shop his company frequents and bought the gear we needed.
When we talked on Friday night, he sounded a bit nervous about having spent a bit more than we were aiming for, but he wanted to get it bought that day, and went with the system that he would do if it was his. He went with the system that he felt would not get clogged, was easy to switch barrels out (to clean them or whatever), and using the least amount of expensive fittings.
On Saturday morning, shortly after I had arrived with two bails of hay that I towed in one of the collective bike trailers (hella heavy, but really rewarding to tow through traffic), Derek showed up with all the gear. The one key part that I had overlooked was the necessary reciprocating saw needed to get into the barrel. I know no one in town, and apparently there are no tool rental places nearby (like there are in Vancouver)… and then Lance and Veronica showed up! Lance rolled in with a couple of brilliant ideas right off the get go, such as cutting the top in a semi-circle and attaching it with little hinges to form a lid. And then he went home to get the rest of the tools we needed.
At this point, my heart flickered with satisfaction. With generosity, resourcefulness, and collaboration as the fabric of our projects, surely there is grace.
In the meantime, Dalhousie biology prof whose articles I have read in Canadian Organic Growers, Dave Patriquin, came by the garden to share a conversation I greatly enjoyed.
Lance brought in the tools we needed, Derek went a grabbed a length of pipe, and the interconnection began. Two others came by to check it out, and both commented that they were disappointed to see that it looked was made from expensive materials as they were looking for more low-cost solutions.
For the interconnection of the next three barrels we extend the invitation for input as how to best do this. One guy who showed up, Geoff, is reported to be the genius of great low-cost solutions, so I am inviting him to guide the next three.
David Baldwin, the apple guy!, checked the scene out as we were starting, then left to do his other errands, and returned. He had suggested to check out boating shops for fittings, and went by a boat shop to see if his suggestion was valid. The Binnacle (card at the garden) is where he went, and came back with an appropriate garden-hose diameter fitting for $3.95. Prices range, but apparently there are some really interesting fittings there. And interestingly, when David looked at Derek’s receipt, he was surprised at the how comparable the prices were.
Another suggestion was Lee Valley, I had totally forgotten about them, but I bet they do have some moderately priced appropriate gear. Freecycle is of course another great place to look. And where else folks? Where would you or did you get your gear?
I am thrilled with the system that we set up this weekend. I believe it was and will be worth every penny. I think it represents the more ‘ideal’ system, especially for brewing herbal fertilizers in. And I think it will be really easy to maintain, last a while, and could be added to in future. I am stoked by the interactions that went on, (although I am working on being a better hostess).
A copy of the receipt is available if you want it. And, if you have input about putting together a tight system on the super cheap, then tell us your secrets, and hopefully Geoff will help lead us there.
For the next three we need to build some sort of stand for the next three barrels to get them a few feet off the ground so that we can fill watering cans and even run a short hose. We have some wood. Any building or design volunteers? Come on with your suggestions now, rather than laughing at the not-as-good-as-it-could-be design that may result otherwise!
Ah yes, and sweet thanks to the sweet one who brought gifts of nettle, yarrow, and plantain to the garden. What lovely allies to bring in. Thank you .
I love hearing about people getting creative and taking eco-action!
I’ve got a store in Whitby, ON, where I sell used building supplies, rain barrels and composters. Prices for rain barrels start at $40. Check out my site for videos and info. Chad
I love your barrel fittings, who makes them, and where did you get them from?
Thanks
Jay