Georgia Perennial Plant Association

Watering - Yes, you can! GPPA's display at the Southeast Flower Show was planned to demonstrate that successful gardening during drought and municipal outdoor watering bans can be accomplished by capturing rain water and distributing where most needed in the garden.

*Water* *Collection* more info, click here	Storing rainwater is a world-wide practice that includes many areas of the U.S. The current drought and resulting outdoor watering ban makes collecting and storing water a gardening necessity. Sources of water: rainwater, air conditioning condensate Containers: any waterproof container holding a few gallons to thousands of gallons can be used to collect rainwater or condensate. Containers can be located under downspouts, in basements, crawlspaces, buried in the yard Two containers featured at the flower show were BARREL located under or near downspout downspout directs water into opening in the top overflow line releases water when barrel is full spigot is used to fill small containers or can be connected to hose or pump PILLOW stored out-of-sight in basement, crawl space, or under deck downspout directs water into filtered collection box has two overflow drains pump used to distribute water
*Water* *Distribution*	During times of limited water availability, using it where it's needed most is critical to maintaining plant health. HOW MUCH WATER? The general rule is one inch of water every 7-10 days for established plants; new plantings need more to become established. Established drought-tolerant plants need less. Most plants need more in 90+ degree summer heat with no rain. WHERE TO PUT WATER Water only the plant roots. Use a wand sprayer held close to the ground, soaker hoses, or a drip irrigation system. WATERING METHODS USING CONTAINER WATER DRIP - Water level in container determines how fast the water flows when the spigot is opened. Garden hose or soaker hose can be connected to spigot. PUMP - Connects to the spigot and provides the pressure to send water uphill and longer distances. It will operate a sprinkler, hand-held sprayer, soaker hose, or irrigation system.
Plant Selection ~ Proper Planting ~ Best Time to Plant ~ Soil Preparation ~ Water Collection & Distribution

The Award-Winning GPPA

2008 Southeast Flower Show Display