By Pauline Tom
Hip hip hurray, five stars, and kudos to Jerry Chanek and Penny Moulder for their water conservation efforts.
Last week I mentioned their 5,000 gallons of rainwater storage.
Jerry has installed a system to water his above ground veggie garden with their rainwater.
Penny explained, “Five gallon buckets on platforms above the garden are filled with water collected from our two 2,500 gallon rain barrels. The water runs into two drip/soaker type hoses buried about 6 to 8 inches under the soil a few inches from each plant. We put slow release fertilizer in the ditches before placing the hose in the soil.”
“After installing the new subterranean drip irrigation and using a lot of miracle grow, the plants are FINALLY coming to life! With this new system we never have to worry about accidently leaving the water on, overwatering or under watering. Each time we fill the bucket, the plants get five gallons of water.”
“We have a trellis yet to make for the cucumbers; otherwise, we are just sitting back and watching it grow!”
“Now …. if I can get the hummingbirds to my feeder, my backyard will be perfect!”
Jerry and Penny purchased the gigantic rain barrels over the internet and Gutterman installed them. Penny says, “It wasn’t a cheap project; however, the scarcity of water these days makes it costly NOT to conserve in some way.”
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These words I type on Memorial Day as rain pours. On days like this, it’s easy to forget we’re in Stage Two drought, requiring 20% water usage reduction. In Central Texas, the determining factor for “how severe is the drought?” is the level of water in the aquifer, not the amount of rainfall. In Mountain City, every drop of water from the faucet comes from the aquifer.
It’s interesting that Penny is waiting for hummingbirds. This is the first year my hummingbird feeders have been drunk dry, time after time, within two to three days. By the time it’s time to clean the feeders, they’ve been emptied.
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June 7, first Saturday in June, is the date for the annual Citywide Garage Sale. There’s no organized effort. Rather, it’s a day when “everyone knows” many households in Mountain City have a garage sale. The more the better.
The City’s Annual Dumpster Days follow two weeks later this year, making it convenient to get rid of junk that does not sell. To dump, a water bill and drivers license are required as proof of residency. If you are interested in helping contact Tiffany, tmcurnutt@gmail.com
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If you are interested in helping me fill this column with words, please send tidbits to ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: TIDBITS) or (512) 268-5678. The more the better.
Thanks! Love, Pauline
