Creative ways to water help gardeners

Since the implementation of watering restrictions throughout the state in 2003, residents have come up with some creative and ingenious ways to water their gardens in times of drought.

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Ann Leonard implemented a soaker hose system in a small flower bed last year and expanded the system this year.

"I started last year in sort of a small area of my flower beds," she said. "I expanded that this year to include all of my flower beds, which includes annuals and rose bushes."

Leonard said the use of soaker hoses means less watering time and a more thorough watering to the plant's roots.

"With the soaker hoses, I can water for about 15 minutes instead of running the sprinkler for 30 minutes," she said. "Evaporation is less of an issue with soaker hoses, too, because the water goes directly to the roots."

Peg Glover estimates that she has between 400 and 500 feet of soaker hoses throughout her yard.

"Sure helps with the watering," she said.

The state Environmental Protection Division, which oversees outdoor watering, declared Georgia to be in a drought in 1998. The agency took measures to limit outdoor watering in 2003. The Columbia County Commission adopted an Outdoor Water Use Ordinance in 2004 that outlined when residents can and can't water.

Columbia County is in a Drought Response Level 2, which prohibits watering on Mondays and from 10 a.m.-midnight Tuesdays through Sundays.

Odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from midnight to 10 a.m., while even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from midnight to 10 a.m.

The Columbia County Web site -- www.columbiacountyga.gov -- has several useful links regarding outdoor water use and water conservation. Among the tips offered are to water lawns and shrubs thoroughly once or twice a week. Likewise, lawns need only about an inch of water each week.

Though Leonard is pleased with her soaker hose watering, some residents have implemented drip irrigation systems. Others have constructed barrels to catch rain water, which in turn is used to water plants.

"I have a rain barrel," said Betsy Ristroph. "I also have a drip system for my patio plants and several watering systems set up for various beds in my yard."

Regardless of the means of delivery, finding alternative ways to water the lawn and gardens is becoming increasingly popular as watering bans look to be a mainstay for years to come.

Residents are learning to adapt to the watering limitations by using more conservation-minded methods to keep their lawns and gardens looking good.