Since we love working in the yard just as much as inside the house we decided to install rain barrels. Every time it rains they fill up and we use the water for our plants and flowers. Eventually we plan on having a garden and they will come in handy then as well.
So if you know my husband, we couldn't just put the rain barrels on the ground and be done with it. We cleared out the area where they were to go and covered it with landscaping fabric. Then we built a "platform" for each barrel using concrete pavers. In our case it all had to be level :) We elevated one barrel so that once it's full it will spill over to the next barrel.
Next we covered the landscape fabric with egg rock. The first barrel is attached to the down spout on the house. We purchased a hose online that connects the two barrels. We also purchased a diverter that connects to the downspout and the first barrel. It senses when the barrels are full and diverts the water into the yard. Pretty cool and saves a tremendous amount on the water bill. Now all we need is for it to rain!
The area around the garbage can was next on the list. Pine straw was here as well but became a muddy mess every time it rained. So out with the straw and in with concrete pavers. The garbage can is much easier to roll out now and without all the mess.
Next we covered the landscape fabric with egg rock. The first barrel is attached to the down spout on the house. We purchased a hose online that connects the two barrels. We also purchased a diverter that connects to the downspout and the first barrel. It senses when the barrels are full and diverts the water into the yard. Pretty cool and saves a tremendous amount on the water bill. Now all we need is for it to rain!