Saving Florida
Dedicated to Saving Florida through photography, art, and journalism.

Rain barrels, you know, the barrel outside that collects rain water.  The kind some people use for shower and toilet water..
Most homemade ones are blue, and connect to the gutter system of houses.  There are also manufactured ones that look like barrels, and others that look like, well, bigger prettier barrels.
While that may be the case, it's my opinion that they don't have to be a monstrous eyesore to be hidden behind a screen.  You could decorate one easily.  Some of the ideas I've come up with are using the material they make truck wraps out of to make a custom scene on the barrel, camoflauge, and even trellising a vine around them.

There are a ton of great articles about how to make rain barrels on the internet, so, instead of writing another one I'm simply going to list a few here. 

How to Build a Rain Barrel by Jane Morse & Allen Garner/ UF
Miami Dade Rain Barrel Making Workshop sponsored by UF Extension Agents
How to Construct a Rain Barrel Brevard County Agricultural Extension
Rainbarrels: A Homeowners Guide   (PDF) SWFWMD
How to Paint a Rain Barrel

By Jamie Drake

Jamie Drake is a full time student, amateur photographer, and serious advocate of conservation of Florida and North American natural resources. Her special interests include the Northern Caracara, Limpkin, and in finding ways for nature to thrive even through the rapid urbanization of Florida.
Visit her websites to learn more: http://www.fieldguideflorida.com

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