Water Conservation
Projects with water reduction principles designed into the proposals from the very beginning.
Watering Funnels
Initiated 2021
Recycled plastic bottles were placed alongside planting allowing us to target watering at the roots. This reduces run-off and evaporation.
Water Reservoirs
Initiated 2018
The St Martha's Bridge summer flower display requires up to 150ltrs of water each week. To reduce evaporation, and any run-off, each planter contains an internal 5ltr water reservoir that allows the plants to draw water up by their roots rather than watering the soil surface.
Water Harvesting
Initiated 2018
Rainwater Bank
Using drinking water to replenish our garden plants is extremely costly to the enviornment. Collecting and using rainwater is something we can all do and it that actualy benefits our plants. As part of our Bridge Flower project we arranged for volunteers to host water butts connected to their roof drain pipes at their homes and bank 1,000 Ltrs for our mutual use.
Portable Water Buggy.
To transfer water from harvesting sites a simple trolley was created. This has been used numerous times for the planters and our other sites.
Collapsible Watering Cans. 2022
The need to have smaller amounts of water transported to sunflower trail locations resulted in the purchase of several reusable plastic water containers. These can be prefilled with harvested rainwater and have replaced the buggy since they are more easily transported on foot, in trolleys, or further distances by car.
Mulch
Initiated 2019
To reduce evaporation mulches have been used:
Spent Compost
2019: Spread around the bases of the newly planted horse chestnut trees - Note: do not cover the stem but instead create a 'donut' shape.
Leaves
2021: Use to deter weeds at the Bailis Downs green in preparation for creating a planting area.
LECA Mulch
2022: The mix of clay balls and coconut husk is to be piloted at the Athlumney Hall fruit and herb verge.
These proved unsuccessful since they rolled like marbles over the pavement causing trip hazards.
Sustainable Development Goals
This project has connections with the following categories:
