I love a rainy day, which makes me, by definition, a pluviophile, which by the way is not a word in my personal lexicon!
The garden looks so beautiful during and after a rain. Dust and debris are washed away, leaving behind a lustre that cannot be replicated by watering with tap water.
Have you ever wondered why your garden looks greener after a heavy rainfall than when it had a good soaking with a garden hose?
Nitrogen (found in commercial fertilizers) is the chemical that helps give our trees and shrubs that amazing shade of green only found in nature. Although the earth’s atmosphere is over 70% nitrogen, it cannot be absorbed into plants through the air… this only happens when it rains, allowing the nitrogen to be taken in through the leaves and roots. During thunderstorms this process is greatly enhanced.
Tap water often has chlorine, which may inhibit plants from absorbing available nitrates. If the levels of alkaline or salt in the tap water in your area are high, the pH level will be greater than nitrogen and over time this may have a negative effect on your plants. Also the nitrate concentration in drinking water is limited because, although rare, it could contribute to some health issues such as blue baby syndrome in infants under 6 months of age.
During periods of drought, cities often ban residents from watering their gardens with tap water. Since the benefits of rain water are superior, it’s another reason why we should be encouraged to use barrels to collect fallen rain.
The blossoms and blooms in my garden will explode in the coming days when the sun returns with its own special magic. As you can see, everything is just on the verge…
Rainy days give a brief reprieve for stiff and aching muscles that have been overworked doing the garden cleanup, pruning and seasonal plantings. Plus, occasionally I need a few days indoors to give my house some much needed attention…if all goes well my floors may even get a sweep and a wash!
xox Judy
PS: Snow (like we saw this week) mixed with rain is not something we want to see in May!
Thank you for this… a wonderful read, made me feel calm and yes, there is always the much needed rain for our homes (to receive neglected attention) and for our souls ( needing much needed reaffirmation)
Always love your blog
Monique
Hi Monique, I’m sure your garden is looking amazing already and your muscles and joints are probably grateful for a few days off! Enjoy the break! xox Judy❤️
It’s amazing how the Spring rain turns everything green, what seems like overnight, and I love the smell of the rain on the earth. The cold temperatures and snow – I could have done without. I was freaking out, as of course the Lilies, Peonies, Hosta, Creeping Jenny, Allium etc. are up! I flattened out my Allium buds by putting gunny sack on them to protect them from the snow. 🙁 Hopefully when the sum comes out, they will pop up again.
Such an exciting time of year!
Hi Karen…it sounds like your garden is ahead of mine…thankfully my allium hasn’t sent up the bloom stocks yet. Hopefully you will still have a beautiful show of flowers. Looks like we will have sunnier days ahead. xox Judy❤️
I LOVE rainy days as well Judy because I feel as if I’ve been “given permission” to snuggle under a blanket with a hot tea and either a good book or my garden journal and plan my next adventure in gardening! The only adventure this week, unfortunately, was running all my pots of annuals into the garden shed and garage🙄🥶! What fascinating info about the benefits of rain water. You’ve definitely convinced me…..my next adventure….purchasing a rain barrel! Stay safe and enjoy the long weekend in your garden. Hugs, Karen xo🥰
Hi Karen, I have some of my containers planted up already with herbs and annuals too…unfortunately they are too heavy to move so I’ve been covering them at night, and so far they have survived the unseasonably cool overnight temperatures. I plan to get some rain barrels too. I’m sure your garden is looking beautiful already…Enjoy the long weekend. xox Judy❤️