It has been raining in South Florida for the last two weeks and today is no different.
We started the year with the worst drought in history and now, after the wettest September ever, we’ve actually ended the month with too much water. Our aquifer level is high and Lake Okeechobee is back to normal levels. The lake is the water source for the Everglades and the back-up reservoir for South Florida’s water table. Levels are so high that the local authorities are releasing water into the Atlantic to avoid flooding.
Still, our local government has announced that despite the abundance of rain, water restrictions will continue year-round. In my opinion this is a good thing. The public needs to understand that water is precious and must be conserved. As for my part, I am planning to install two rain barrels to catch rainwater from my roof.
Well today is definite not a gardening day but it is a good day to read blogs, catch up with my gardening magazines, and watch some college football on TV.
I hope you have great weekend and if you are a football fan—may your team win!
We started the year with the worst drought in history and now, after the wettest September ever, we’ve actually ended the month with too much water. Our aquifer level is high and Lake Okeechobee is back to normal levels. The lake is the water source for the Everglades and the back-up reservoir for South Florida’s water table. Levels are so high that the local authorities are releasing water into the Atlantic to avoid flooding.
Still, our local government has announced that despite the abundance of rain, water restrictions will continue year-round. In my opinion this is a good thing. The public needs to understand that water is precious and must be conserved. As for my part, I am planning to install two rain barrels to catch rainwater from my roof.
Well today is definite not a gardening day but it is a good day to read blogs, catch up with my gardening magazines, and watch some college football on TV.
I hope you have great weekend and if you are a football fan—may your team win!
6 comments:
Well, I have also been thankful for the rain last week and week before-though this week has been dry. I haven't watered the plants for weeks now, the cistern is full and the place has cooled down some.
It can be very dry here so I am always thankful and happy when it rains; it saves me a lot of work watering! Your garden looks good in the rain.
I have 3. They fill up in seconds. With that in mind, don't follow the instructions for Northern rain barrels. Florida rain barrels need a LARGE over-flow pipe. We've got either 1 1/2 or 2 inch diameter pvc. Yes, pipe. Left just the hole like 1 set of instructions said and the water came blasting out and dug a trench in the yard. Attached a hose to it and the top kept popping off because the rain came in faster than the over-flow could escape.
Hi Rusty....you are so right rain is a precious commodity....I have six water butts here.....when their is a drought or water restrictions I can look after the plants that need it without any worry.....I use the water at other times to, rain water is far better for plants than tap water!!!
It is raining here today ...I am supposed to go to a concert this evening....it is in a beautiful converted barn and located in the countryside....I think I may get wet......
we need some rain so send some our way. i love when it rains and you can just relax and read.
Weather has been weird everywhere, it seems. I'm glad your acquifier is back up--and that you're still willing to live with water restrictions. We all should!
--Kate
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