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use what you need...

8/27/2013

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Picture
use only what you need, it’s a drought!
this slogan is, in my opinion, all wrong.

the slogan should be… IT’S A DESERT!

so in the interest of debating how much water denver should and shouldn’t be using, let’s explore some options to utilize it more efficiently in this desert landscape.  in today’s post we will talk about an OLLA (pronounced oh-yah).  traditionally olla’s are made of porous non finished clay pottery and are used for many things, including irrigation.  they typically have a bulbous bottom with a narrow neck.  they can be made and/or bought in many different sizes and shapes can vary as well.  you bury the pot with the neck opening above the soil line so that it can be filled with water.  the water will then slowly seep through the pot into the soil and be readily available for you plants to drink.  using an olla illuminates runoff, slows down evaporation and supplies the water directly to the roots of your plant(s).

resources and photos: http://drippingspringsollas.com/
http://growingawarenessurbanfarm.com/ollas
http://rosedalegarden.org/olla-irrigation/

http://youtu.be/qkNxACJ9vPI

here is a link that gives a good explanation of an olla and how to use them: http://youtu.be/fvKq5geEM-A

some people have come up with creative ways to re-purpose other items into ollas.  you can use a milk jug as seen at the link: http://youtu.be/pCkeB2l3ODQ

others have used two terra cotta pots and adhere them together as shown in this link: http://youtu.be/s0BryMMFwME

these are just a few resources and videos about ollas and are by no means an exhaustive list.  it is a good starting point for those interested in ollas and water conservation, especially in the southwest and more arid climates. 

happy gardening...


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    g2

    designer, artist, photographer, traveler extraordinaire, consultant, teacher and student...

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