Oregon man goes to jail over rain water collection

Oh, that's just wonderful.  Gary Harrington went to an Oregon jail on Wednesday because he was collecting rain water on his own property.  They claim he was diverting water from streams.

I'm sure his lawyer already provided an interesting assortment of arguments.

Here's the story at CNSNews.

Argh! It's Winter!

I took a few minutes last weekend to get my barrels ready for the predicted rain the next day.  I unwrapped the weather covers, then removed the winter bypass tubes.  As expected, on the last day of astronomical winter, a wave of rainclouds approached.

Then the oncoming pretties changed into a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

Two minutes after the wonderfully heavy rain started, there was a thump from outside.  That didn't sound good.  Threw on a wide-brimmed hat and flashlight, and headed out into the dark and wind.

Yup, an empty barrel had blown over.  I picked it back up, watched the water pouring into it for a second, and headed indoor to dry and warm up.  I'd made sure that nobody would be injured if such a light barrel tipped, but I hadn't anticipated wind blowing one over.

I'll have to find a simple way to anchor an empty barrel.  Any suggestions?

Santa, slide down my downspout

Santa, all I want for Christmas is some rainwater.

Rain barrels are hot

I hadn't thought of this... If you're in a place which doesn't get as much cold weather as Minnesota does, you can use your rain barrel to protect your outdoor potted plants.  The water in a barrel tends to stay warm at night, so having potted plants near or on the barrel helps protect them from frost, especially if you cover it all with a tarp at night.

Thanks, StAugustine.com

State Fair season sales

Remember that it's State Fair season, and many local rain barrel providers are having sales because the end of the gardening season is approaching.  If you're going to a fair, watch for rain barrel ideas and offers in the horticulture, gardening, and small business buildings.

Some exhibitors only offer sales at the fair, while others offer it to all, such as the Barrel Depot.  Watch also for offers with low delivery costs, as the fair exhibitors know that few people will be able to carry a barrel around the fair.

Rain barrel tips around the country

• Delaware, Ohio: Rain barrel tips and raffle today.
• Rochester, NY, multiple dates: Learn to save water via rain barrels and other ‘green’ stuff for you and your kids at the Rochester Museum & Science Center—Rochester, NY
• Learn How to Make Your Own Rain Barrel   August 30th, 2011 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Raeford, NC.
• September 20-22, 2011: If you're near London, Ohio, the Gwynne Conservation Area will have rain barrel presentations (pdf). "If you have a roof and gutter, then a rain barrel is what you need! Learn why they are beneficial, some installation tips, and ideas for incorporating your rain barrel within your landscape."