Weather forecasts predicted that we might get one of the best rainstorms we've had this season today. I heard the rain start in the wee hours of the morning and literally dreamed that I woke up to find that our rain total had soared to 10 inches. However, when I got up it was sunny and the clouds were already moving on out.
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| View from the back patio |
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| We got 0.34/inch from the system that moved through, bringing our current water year total (calculated from October 1st) to 3.3 inches. As our rainy season generally ends in early April, there isn't much time left to catch up. (Did you hear my sigh?) |
This morning, the weather forecaster said that, while the main system has passed, there may still be showers at intervals into tomorrow morning. The Weather Underground forecast shows that as well. I hope that's the case. Meanwhile, the air is fresh and clear, at least for now.
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| The oil refineries in the distance were already back to releasing pollutants into the air |
The rain topped off my 50 and 160-gallon rainwater collection tanks. The 265-gallon tank looks to be about three-quarters full. In addition to the rain tanks, we have a rudimentary
greywater system that's fed by our washing machine. Installed by a prior owner, I often forget about it as it deposits rinse water to the back slope and I'm seldom on the back slope when it runs; however, last week my husband did a load of laundry (!) while I was down that way. I heard a whoosh, followed by a stream of water and was initially alarmed before I realized exactly where it was coming from.
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| The system originally fed Yucca elephantipes that had attained tree grove-like proportions along the boundary line with a neighbor but, when we had those plants removed, we adjusted the flow somewhat. I was pleased to see that it waters my Ceanothus arboreus, which sits well beyond the reach of our irrigation system. Unfortunately, it looks as though it's also prompted the resurrection of the Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) we tried to remove last fall. |
Water for the garden is a constant concern for me. We're doing what we can to conserve, collect and reuse it but, in times of drought, I do get nervous about my garden's fate.
All material © 2012-2021 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
