Precious Water
Spring 2019 has the state of Oklahoma in the national news. Record rainfall and flooding placed 77 counties in a state of emergency.
In our household, we address storms the way Jesus told us.
"…When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped, and all was calm. Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?" Luke 8:24-26
You can read more about that in our blog, "The Lie Of The Storm"
The Lord honored His Word, and no harm came to any of our property.
However, we are dealing with the aftermath.
Flooding caused a 16-inch waterline casing to break. The casing is the main water line supply for thousands of households, including ours. As repairs are underway, a mandatory water rationing is in effect.
What that means is residents are told not to use water for washing cars, filling swimming pools, watering landscapes or lawns, nor any other non-essential water usage.
What is a passionate gardener to do?
Answer: Obey the rules!
"Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished." Romans 13:1-2
Let be clear; I love my flower garden. I also have over 25 potted flowers. There are ways to keep my beloved hobby alive through these weeks of rationing. What I have done is as follows:
1) Mulch. I have clay soil in my flower bed that, for once, is proving beneficial. My garden is still quite moist, so, I placed an extra layer of wood mulch around new seedlings and other tender plants. I also put a layer of mulch on top of the soil of all my potted plants. Not only does this retain moisture in the soil, but it also moderates the soil temperature.
2) Add Water Polymer Granules To Potting Soil. Recommended by the owner of a local garden center, this product looks very unassuming (and a little expensive) at first. Also known as superabsorbent polymers and rainmakers, these granules resemble sea salt. The granules capture water and swell from 100-400 times their weight, turning into a gel-like substance that holds moisture for future beneficial use. The product claims to cut the necessity for frequent watering to almost one half the average amounts.
3) Alternate Water Source. I have two 55 gallon black plastic barrels full of water in my greenhouse. I filled these barrels last year and used them this winter as a "thermal mass" heat supplement for the greenhouse. They worked great for that purpose. Now, I am siphoning water from these barrels to water my pots. A rain barrel would also be a wise investment or make one yourself.
4) Move Plants out of the full sunlight. Most plants will flourish as long as they have a half day of sun. Moving plants from the stress of summer afternoon sunshine will slow down water transpiration.
5) Grey Water. The wastewater from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances. I placed bowls in my kitchen and bathroom sinks to catch water from hand or food washing. When the containers are full, I dump them into the watering cans I use for my outdoor plants.
A wise steward conserves resources every chance they get. Be smart, be resourceful, my friends.
Together, we will get through the brutal summer heat relaxing in the shade as we look over the flowers of our labor.
" Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone.
The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come,
and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air." Song of Solomon 2:11-12