Last year, we had no water on our Greenbelt restoration site. There was almost no die off during the dry summer, but some plants struggled. The bare root plants had the most difficulty.
I asked to have a cistern installed this year so we could water the plants that needed it. It will be a temporary situation; the cistern will be removed once the trees, shrubs and ground covers are thoroughly established.
Even though I wanted the cistern, I wondered how we were going to be able to water the plants. I was under the impression that we would have to carry water by buckets for any plant that was out of the range of a hose. The thought of doing that with only a few volunteers was overwhelming.
I was surprised, and pleased, to discover that will not be the case. I was also astounded by the size of the cistern.
Members of the Seattle Parks Department Natural Area Crew (NAC) managed to install the cistern in a relatively small space without disturbing the three live stakes I had planted in that area.
After the cistern was placed, NAC rolled about 250 feet of tubing across the site — in areas where volunteers won’t be walking. NAC then installed spigots along the tubing every 50 feet or so.
We will be able to attach hoses to the spigots when we are ready to water the plants. The only plants we will need to water with buckets will be those located in areas that are higher than the cistern.
It was a fascinating process to watch unfold. I look forward to watering some plants after the cistern is filled with water!
Living, Learning and Letting Go 
Cool! How will it be filled with water? Will it be able to catch rain?
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They will fill it from a truck on the street. I don’t know when they will do that. No it will not catch rain although we haven’t had any rain the last two summers and this one supposed to be drier yet
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Karuna, you are always teaching and what a great example of “ asking for what you want” and being rewarded beyond your expectations. 👍💗🐰👩🌾
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Good point. It was also an example of walking that line between asking for what you want and letting go of expectations. I think that the best chance of getting what we want is when we let go of it but yet stay active in the process. Thanks for your comment!
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