I Save Water And Gardening Time With My Home’s Downspouts

by Bridget
(Fort Wayne, IN USA)

For years I’ve been placing wine barrels at the end of each downspout around my house. In each of these barrels I have taken old shingles turned smooth side up to line the barrel and effectively make a watertight bucket.

Then I planted dirt in the barrel and added flowers. Each of my downspouts then feed right into the barrel after it rains. In one I even have water lilies that seem to survive year after year with absolutely no extra care at all.

The best part is that they don’t have to be removed for winter and they blossom all summer long with very little dirt in that bucket but a lot of the water. I feel like I’m killing two birds with one efficient stone, by saving water and a lot of time tending to my flowers.

Return To Our Energy Savings Home Page