London Free Press columnist gets help with everything from reducing water use to scaring off pesky rabbits

The bad news is that my household water consumption is higher than average, I use a gas-powered mower and don?t own a rain barrel.

But the good news is that my yard is filled with mature perennials that don?t require much water, I planted a tulip tree on the south side of my yard that will help cool the house in summer, I?ve got cedar shrubs to the north that will help block cold winter winds and I compost my yard and kitchen waste.

Oh. And my impatiens look pathetic not because I?m a terrible gardener, but because they?re being nibbled by bunnies.

?You?re doing great,? says Megan Wibberley, water conservation intern with the city.

Along with water demand technologist Paula Bustard, Wibberley stopped by my house Thursday to conduct an Eco Yard Evaluation ? a project offered by the city to help London homeowners save water, energy and money.

?We?re trying to promote a culture of conservation and reduce the amount (of energy) you take off the grid,? says Matthew Feldberg, the city?s water demand manager. ?That?s the ultimate goal ? save the homeowner money.?

Although it started three years ago, Feldberg says the Eco Yard Evaluation is still considered a pilot project because it hasn?t been widely publicized. Bustard estimates city staff have conducted about 50 of the free evaluations, which usually take between 30 and 60 minutes.

Londoners who register for the service receive a chart showing their yearly water usage (my chart showed consumption during the past six years) and then have their property assessed in six categories: water conservation, garden care, lawn care, energy conservation, waste diversion and pollution prevention.

At the end of the evaluation, homeowners are presented with a packet that includes information about conserving water (wash your car on your lawn because the water irrigates the grass and the soapy water controls grubs), caring for your garden (native shrubs, trees and plants require less water), conserving energy (hang dry your clothes) and diverting waste (leave grass clippings on your lawn because they replenish soil nutrients).

The package also features a pair of peel-and-toss strips that will show whether your toilet leaks.

But as I quickly discovered, city staff also offer lots of specific tips.

For example, Wibberley told me the discoloured leaves on my recently planted tulip tree were caused by heat stress and I could likely solve the problem with some smart irrigation, which means turning the hose on low and, about once a week, leaving it near the base of the tree for about 20 to 30 minutes. Mulch will help, too.

And those bud-bitten impatiens? Wibberley recommends I mix one tablespoon of Tabasco sauce with four litres of water, then spread it around the flowers to discourage hungry rabbits.

And if I buy a rain barrel and connect it to a downspout, I?ll conserve water and reduce pollution by minimizing storm water runoff.

Of course, I?ll really start saving money when the kids move out. But for now, a barrel might be simpler.

Ian Gillespie is the Free Press city columnist. Email: ian.gillespie@sunmedia.ca

Twitter.com/IanatLFPress

Eco Yard Evaluation

To have your property evaluated by city staff, call 519-661-2500 (ext. 2790) or e-mail growingnaturally@london.ca

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Source: http://www.lfpress.com/2013/07/04/london-free-press-columnist-gets-help-with-everything-from-reducing-water-use-to-scaring-off-pesky-rabbits

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