Good thing that we've embraced the notion that an au natural lawn is perfectly fine...no need to water carelessly to keep up false appearances. We water simply to help the otherwise climate appropriate grass survive. This photo illustrates why I believe that my area of the country needs special coaching with regard to Victory Gardens, however. We've got issues, clearly. And many of us...we really, really need raised beds. I swear it's because we use our raised bed that we're enjoying a modest crop of Roma Beans, a couple of squash a week. There are several green tomatoes, one nearly ripe 'mater and a bunch of blossoms. Am optimistic...
But, realistically, the weather is going to get worse here. Currently, we are in a D2 or "Severe Drought", heading into the hottest, driest part of the year.
This is serious stuff, folks.
Which is why when we woke to rain last Friday morning that all of us (plants and grass included), felt jubilant...relieved. Tater and I captured rainwater in the kiddie pool, er, impromptu rain barrel. The rain came in the morning...I gently watered with the captured water at twilight, touching of course only the soil. The following morning, I'd almost swear the entire garden was singing. Greener, more vibrant, more alive. Rainwater will do that to a garden...make it happier. And to a person, too...especially in a drought. To add to our joy, we got a gully-washer on Saturday. This time, I collected water in the kiddie pool and a giant plastic tub for random yard-related toys. I used the rainwater up on Sunday night...so as not to invite mosquitos from having sat around too long. It was almost fun to tote the water out into our landscape, knowing how much the plants enjoy the rain.
Our cups runneth over one day...but they can be depleted again so quickly. There are many lessons here, I think.
For Further Exploration:
• A bit more about our drought/watering here, courtesy San Antonio Express-News. And you can take a peek at the iVillage Garden Web Texas Garden Forum to see how others in our area are struggling.
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