Water wisely this summer!

Summer's upon us now, and with the much-anticipated heat we have to keep a close eye on things in our garden to ensure everything is properly hydrated. Dry soil and tomatoes just don't go hand in hand! However, our responsibility doesn't stop at caring for our lawns and gardens. Us Canadians are the second highest users of water in the entire world. That made you gasp, right? Well, here's another factoid: In the summer, our water usage increases by 50 per cent! Not even the greenest of us can go without watering our gardens, but it's of utmost importance that we do what we can to curb our usage.

Here are some quick tips to help you use less water in the garden:

• Always water your lawn, garden and plants in the early morning or evening. Don't wait until mid-day to give everything a good drink - the sun is high in the sky at this point, and your plants will dry up quickly.

• Consider investing in a rain barrel. It will collect water from rain falls and you'll have an endless supply of H2O for all your watering-purposes!

• Plant flowers and plants that require a lot of water close together, so when it's time to water you just have to douse a specific part of the garden, as opposed to the whole thing. Also, try to plant these thirsty fellow below little slopes in your garden, as they'll be happy for the run-off.

• Add some compost or mulch to your garden as it helps the soil retain water. Compost also gives your plants an endless supply of nutrients, so they'll grow big and strong!

• Add an array of native plants to your garden as they already suit our climate!

Do you have any advice for using less water in the garden this summer? Share you watering advice here!

Has any Toronto resident or visitor noticed these somewhat new City of Toronto ad campaigns? These posters are seen all over the city. I've noticed them on bus shelters, while riding the subway and in many printed publications. Looks like the city is trying to get us to think about how we consume water.

The ad on the left is of a family in their kitchen. They are all dressed in lab coasts and are drinking tap water. The caption reads: "It's what a scientist would drink. Toronto tapwater. It travels trough five layers of filtering and treatment before it arrives in you glass. And is continuously tested for quality. Trust science; not fashion. Choose tapwater. Filtered fresh."

The one on the right is of a woman who appears to be (more...)