Rain Rich Blog

FREE 3 Day Landscape Lighting DEMO

2011-09-08T19:36:23Z

Get a free design consultation and a three-day demonstration of how Rain Rich can illuminate your home and landscape!

At Rain Rich, we want your home to look its best after the sun goes down. Let the Rain Rich professionals design and light your property for three days while you enjoy it completely free of charge. There is no cost or obligation to you. Call 631-423-2211 to get started!

5 Benefits of Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting extends the outdoors by illuminating certain features and creating space out of darkness certainly provides for greater enjoyment and use of your property. Low voltage lighting is one of the best ways to create this environment and has many benefits such as:

1. Adds beauty to the landscape and provides another 'look' to your home, landscape features, and landscape trees & shrubs on and around your property.

2. Provides safety by illuminating walkways, driveways, and entrances.

]]> 3. Provides security as a well designed and professionally installed lighting system discourages uninvited guests.

4. Adds value to your home by increasing curb appeal.

5. Saves over 50% on your normal electrical lighting costs by using low voltage lighting system.

If you are interested in spending more time enjoying your yard and landscape then I can offer you a FREE 3 Day Landscape Lighting Demo. For more information about landscape lighting visit us at www.rainrich.com or call 631-423-2211 now!

FREE 3 Day Landscape Lighting Demo

Call today to see what you can expect from us next!

Service Agreement Renewal

2011-08-31T18:30:35Z

As summer begins to fade into fall, in a few short weeks it will be time to close down sprinkler systems. It is hard to believe after a great spring and summer that it is time to think about the importance of winterizing. Service Agreements will be arriving by mail for your review and renewal. The Rain Rich team has worked hard to review each account to insure that all the correct coverage and pricing is customized for your property. We feel it is important that you realize we have not raised our prices for the third consecutive year. In this tough economy I have been able to cut costs and pass savings onto my clients and will continue to do so as long as is economically possible.

]]> Remember when you purchase the service agreement all our service calls are at no charge. That's a $70 value! All repairs receive a 10% discount. This translates into a substantial savings for you. All service agreements will be in the mail beginning September 1st.

If you have any questions or concerns call 631-423-2211 or click here. To learn more about service agreements and the discounts you would be entitled to visit our website. All of us at Rain Rich look forward to continuing our business relationship with you.

Lawn Restoration

2011-08-23T15:08:07Z

September 1st is right around the corner and the best time to improve & nurture the lawn into shape. The warm days and cool nights are perfect for starting a new lawn or renovating an existing lawn. Rain Rich has the perfect program for cultivating your lawn to look its best. This is the same program used by golf courses, athletic fields, and homes across the USA. It is simple and inexpensive considering the value that a beautiful lawn adds to your home.

The Rain Rich program consists of the following:

1. Core aeration
2. Soil test for pH and nutrients
3. Adding top soil if needed
4. Liming of soil
]]> 5. Top dressing with organic compost
6. Fall fertilization
7. Seeding with Long Island blend grass seed
8. Proper programming of Irrigation controller for germinating new seed

All our programs are customized to specific property and guaranteed for your satisfaction. Rain Rich can provide all or part of this program. We recommend an organic approach for long term benefit and to care for our environment. For a free analysis and quote then please call us at 631-423-2211 or click here.

Flooded Basements & Poor Drainage

2011-08-15T19:35:30Z

The August 14th, 2011 deluge of record breaking rains flooded many basements, garages, and properties. The damage and inconvenience caused by these rainfalls can be reduced and prevented in many ways. Rain Rich has been designing and installing drainage systems for many years and with our knowledge and experience we can implement a property saving system for your home or business.

Here are just a few of the flood damage prevention systems I recommend:

1. The rain water that comes off your roof and drains at the foundation of your home is a leading cause of water draining into your basement or cellar. I would connect the leaders, downspouts, and gutters to 4" piping and move water away from your home.

2. Install drain system around your home and move rain water away and to a safe location.

]]> 3. Install dry wells to move water into the ground and safely away from areas that flood.

4. Install a system in your basement that captures water and pumps to outside and away from home.

5. Cover window wells to prevent rain water from filling up and spilling through windows.

Excess water on your property causes property damage, is a health hazard (mold), and a safety risk. Rain Rich can provide a long term solution for all your water problems with the use of catch basins, drains, smooth wall pipe, and dry wells. For a creative solution please contact us at 631-423-2211 or click here!

Beat the HEAT

2011-08-08T21:03:09Z

During these hot days of extreme temperatures it is important to implement a plan to protect your lawn and plants. Here are several action steps to care for your landscape investment:

1. Water often and for long periods whenever possible. When water begins to form a puddle on your property then cut back on the run time for that zone. If possible, run a second cycle during the day.

2. Water early morning. Anytime after midnight and before 10am. The water pressure is high, the volume is best and distribution of water will also be at its optimum.

3. Water during the day to cool grass down. Golf courses do this all the time and it is called syringing. Ground water from our aquifer is 54 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool water will calm down lawn & plants and relieve some stress. It is a myth that watering during the day will burn your plants.
]]> 4. Test your system. Run 5 minute cycles and observe each sprinkler head. If not operating properly then please call Rain Rich 631-423-2211 to schedule a service appointment.

5. Cut your lawn at 3" or greater. The longer the better. The long grass blade will shade the soil and roots reducing evaporation and keep the soil cooler. Longer leaf blades = longer roots and greater root depth is healthier for plants.

6. Use fertigation. Fertigation is the injection of fertilizer and other beneficial products into the irrigation water and distributed through the irrigation system. There is very little waste because only small amounts are distributed and applied through each irrigation cycle. We use drought fighting liquid products such as potassium acetate, seaweed extract, calcium, and organic surfactants. These are the same products used by golf course superintendents to keep greens and fairways healthy during blistering days.

7. Sharpen lawn mower blade. A dull blade hacks off the tops of grass instead of a clean cut. A poorly cut blade of grass loses more water and leaves the lawn susceptible to insects and disease. Water your lawn after cutting for a healthier lawn.

8. When the weather cools down then cut back on watering. Too much water can be as harmful as too little. In a few weeks it will be September and time to rejuvenate the lawn and garden. Core aeration provides tremendous benefit and the investment you make now will pay dividends next summer.

9. Test the pH of your lawn and gardens. Cornell Cooperative Extension will test for free if you bring them a sample. A lawn should have a ph of 6.2 to 7.0. If the pH is too low then the plant cannot absorb nutrients and water properly.

If you have questions or need help with your landscape please call 631-423-2211 or click here to schedule an appointment.

Sprinkler Problems

2011-07-27T18:09:38Z

Due to the heat, many of us are experiencing various problems with our sprinkler systems. Some of these issues might be due to the age of the system and can only be solved by performing preventative maintenance during the course of the summer.

Depending upon the complexity and size of the system some clients need more service than others. Typically the average sprinkler system requires repairs or replacements within 5 - 10 years. This includes sprinkler heads, sprinkler valves, controllers, rain sensors, and pipe repairs. Better grade equipment and installation allow the system to last longer, perform better, and require less maintenance.
]]> My recommendation is to have your system checked out by a professional, a Rain Rich service technician.

For clients with a Service Agreement there is no charge for this service. For clients without a Service Agreement the fee to inspect your sprinkler system is only $70 + tax. The problems that we may find are worth the cost if we are saving lawn and plants.

If you are experiencing sprinkler problems or need repairs call 631-423-2211 to schedule you appointment or simply click here.

SPRINKLER ALERT!

2011-07-19T18:25:25Z

The HEAT is on! DUE TO HIGH HEAT AND PROLONG DRY PERIOD WE ARE ADVISING ALL OF OUR CLIENTS TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

1. Increase the run time on your rotary sprinkler zones to 60 minutes per day for sunny areas.

2. Increase your SPRAY sprinkler zones to water for 15 minutes every day.

3. Increase your DRIP IRRIGATION zones to water for 60 minutes every day.

4. Increase the water budget key on your sprinklers to 110% or more.

5. Water as early in the morning as possible. Start at 1 am if possible. This will give your system the greatest pressure and volume and operate at the highest efficiency. It will also finish the cycle before you are up and using water in the home.

]]> 6. Try not to use water in the house at the same time you are using your sprinkler system. There is not enough water to handle the demand of both landscape and home usage.

7. Try not to water during the day. If your lawn is dry or plants are drooping then water that individual zone manually.

8. Water after 4pm if you must water 2x in one day.

9. Observe local ordinances such as odd/even day watering.

10. Visually check your system for broken pipe, broken sprinklers, clogged nozzles, and blocked spray from overgrown lawn, plants, and trees.

11. If your landscape is still thirsty then run a second cycle at the end of the day or early evening. Initiate the 2nd cycle at or after 4pm.

12. If you can't figure out how to use your controller then please read our article on controller adjustments. I also recommend you call the manufacturer tech support. They have a staff to walk you through using the controller.

For Hunter Clocks Call 1-800-733-2823
For Rain Bird Clocks Call 1-800-724-6247
For Toro Clocks Call 1-877-345-8676

13. Call us 631.423.2211 to make an appointment if you have sprinkler related problems. Be advised the office is very busy and the phone is always in use and if you leave a brief message that we will return your call. You can also email Joanne, Sue or Manuel at any time.

14. When the weather returns to normal then remember to cut back on your watering and resume your normal program.

Thanks, and stay cool!

Sprinkler Modifications

2011-07-12T15:48:21Z

By now most everyone has had their sprinklers turned on and many of the repairs completed. As the season moves into the hot summer many of the calls for service are related to changes in the landscape and or home due to the following:

1. Plants grow and block the spray from the sprinkler heads. Sprinklers heads either need to be added to improve coverage, raised above plantings, or moved to provide better coverage.

2. Roots from trees can grow around sprinkler pipes and strangle piping reducing flow and loss of coverage.

3. New plantings can sometimes interfere with spray distribution.

4. New landscape construction such as patios, walkways, driveways, etc. can interfere with sprinkler coverage.

]]> 5. Home improvements, extensions, pool installation, water gardens, and ponds can pose problems with existing systems.

6. Keyspan and LIPA have damaged many systems in our area.

7. A sprinkler system that is 5-10 years old and may need to be updated.

8. Sprinkler systems that are over 10 years old may need to be replaced or have parts of it replaced. A good sprinkler system will last 10-12 years with residential sprinkler equipment.

9. The sprinkler system had not been maintained properly e.g. winterized in the fall and now there are leaks and broken sprinkler heads.

10. Your property is serviced by a maintenance company and they have made changes to your landscape and or knocked sprinkler heads of alignment.

11. Water pressure in your area has changed and is directly affecting sprinkler performance. Too high and or too low and you will not have proper uniform coverage.

My recommendation is that you have one of our expert technicians check your sprinkler system and prevent loss of plant material and lawn before it may happen. An irrigation audit is a simple service to perform and we have a check list that we use to determine if your sprinkler system is functioning well. We will provide you with a detail report when the irrigation audit is complete and if there are problems then you can decide on a course of action. To schedule and irrigation audit please click here or call 631-423-2211.

Controllers and Scheduling Sprinkler Systems

2011-06-30T22:54:48Z

It looks like this 4th of July will be the perfect weekend to be outside with the forecast of hot, dry, sunny weather. More than likely you will need to irrigate more frequently or increase your watering to maintain a happy landscape. I won't waste your time getting into all the programming details as this is just a quick guide to get you through the weekend.

Here a few guidelines and items to check in case you have a problem:

1. Make sure your clock is plugged in and the controller is in the "run" position.

2. To increase the watering time for each zone simply use the "seasonal adjustment" button on the face of the controller and press the arrow key that faces up. The display should read 100% and hold the button until you increase the percentage above 100%. Any increment above 100% is an increase and any increment below 100% is a decrease. Some of the new controllers require that you turn the dial from "run" to "season adjustment" before pressing the up arrow.

3. Please! Do not turn dial to "set program start times". Do not set or try to set more program start times unless you are very comfortable with programming and totally "get it". You only need one start time to activate the entire water cycle. Please leave as is!

]]> 4. If your landscape needs more water and you want to activate a cycle then press the > arrow facing to the right and hold down until the cycle starts. If you want only one particular zone to operate then continue to hold until the display shows the zone # you want. This feature begins a cycle and it does not change the programming! Your sprinkler system will start the next day it is programmed to begin and run for the same amount of time it was programmed to run for.

5. You may have multiple programs so make sure you know the program you want (most systems use only program A) and press the program button to change. Then press the > right pointing arrow to begin the cycle.

6. On some of the older controllers you may have to turn the dial to "manual - all stations" and then back to run to activate the cycle.

7. Another item to check is if the controller is "plugged in". Many times the controller is unplugged because somebody needed the electric and forgot to put it back in.

8. If your system is in the run position and will not work then try bypassing the rain sensor. On the face of the controller is a slide switch that reads either "bypass" or "active" . The switch should be in the "active" position for the rain sensor to work properly. If the rain sensor is wet or not working then slide the switch to the "bypass" position and then try operating manually. The Sprinkler system should then come on immediately.

9. Make sure the electrical outlet is "live" and there is power. Check the circuit breaker to see if it is on. Plug another appliance in to the outlet that you know works and see if it can be operated, if not, then you know you have an electrical problem. In many new homes the controller is in the garage, in a shed, or mounted outside and the controller is plugged into a GFI circuit (ground fault interrupter). GFI's are required by code and are an extra measure of safety. They are sometimes very sensitive and trip off. Thunder & lightning storms, voltage surges, power outages, too many items plugged into the circuit trip the GFI. There is a little reset button on the GFI and all you have to do is press this to get power on. Your controller will not work without power even though the display shows the time or a zone on and running. Check to make sure you have power!

10. If all of the above fails then check to make sure the water is onto the system! We have made many service calls only to find that someone shut the water off to the sprinkler system. Check the valves either in the house or outside by the manifold box and or meter pit.

I wish you, your family, and our country a happy 4th of July! We will return to the office on Tuesday July 5th. See you then.

Tips for Efficient Irrigation and a Healthier Landscape

2011-06-30T18:33:02Z

July is Smart Irrigation Month and is typically the month of highest water demand for lawns and landscapes in the United States. The Irrigation Association has named July as Smart Irrigation Month to increase public awareness about simple practices and innovative technologies for homeowners, businesses, and property managers can use to:

1. Save money on water usage.
2. Conserve water and protect the community's water supply.
3. Reduce runoff and prevent leaching of valuable nutrients in the soil.
4. Public safety. When the demand is high for water usage the pressure and availability of water is reduced at fire hydrants.

According to the experts, most homeowners and property managers over water by up to 30%!

]]> To conserve water and have your property looking great I recommend the following:

1. Keep your sprinkler system tuned up and ready by summarizing in the spring and winterizing in the fall.

2. Keep your system updated and upgraded with water saving equipment.

3. Use programmable controller and or smart controller.

4. Maintain your sprinkler system frequently.

5. Water on odd/even day system.

6. Use a rain sensor always and or upgrade to a climate sensor. A climate sensor will automatically adjust the duration of the run times of each water cycle by measuring temperature and sunlight and then increase or decrease the run time for each zone.

7.Use plant material that is indigenous to your area.

8. Have your sprinkler system "audited" to determine where improvements can be made.

9. Use low volume drip irrigation for shrub beds and border plantings. Drip irrigation is highly efficient and has very low maintenance costs.

10. Consider replacing 15+ year old sprinkler systems with more efficient equipment such as Smart Controllers, climate sensors, high efficiency sprinkler heads and nozzles, drip irrigation, and more!

11. Run your sprinkler system manually once per week and visually inspect sprinkler heads for damage, poor adjustment, and leaks.

12. Fertigate! Incorporate fertigation into your landscape maintenance program. Fertigation increases the fertility of soil and soils of high fertility hold more water and make for better healthier plants.

To learn more about improving your sprinkler system visit our website at www.rainrich.com or call 631.423.2211 or click here to contact us

Controller Adjustments

2011-06-07T18:59:02Z

With the warmer temperatures moving in, don't forget to adjust your irrigation controller! You can literally save thousands of gallons of water in your landscape, and save your plants from drowning, with the proper setting of your irrigation controller. You need to change the watering schedules as plants become established, with the changing seasons, and when it rains.

Programming sprinkler systems clocks can be a relatively simple task once you have a few basic guidelines. Program your controller for the number of days per week you want the system to operate combined with the duration that each zone waters also known as the run time. You can have your sprinkler system programmed to come on every day, every other day, every third day, and so on.

Operating your sprinkler controller is an important part of irrigation management and maintenance. The sprinkler controller should be adjusted bi-monthly to minimize under watering and over watering. Inadequate sprinkler controller management can lead to turf and tree dehydration, fungus problems and insect infestation.

]]> Other factors to consider while programming would be the type of plant material to be watered and the type of soil the plant material is rooted in, sun vs. shade, flat land vs. hill side? All are important in determining the correct amount of water to be applied in a given time period.

For help adjusting your controller, please refer to the quick guide inside the door panel. Hunter, Rainbird, and Toro offer additional help on line and instruction manuals if you misplaced yours that you can download for free.

For Hunter Clocks Call 1-800-733-2823

For Rain Bird Clocks Call 1-800-724-6247
For Toro Clocks Call 1-877-345-8676

So many customers then ask "how long should I have my sprinklers run?" There is no set amount of time due to the fact each house and property varies. Here are some guidelines for watering:

• Lawn areas that are in full sun all day long 40-60 minutes each rotary zone, 10-15 minutes for a spray zone.
• Lawn areas in the shade most of the day then 20-40 minutes each rotary zone, 5-10 minutes for a spray zone.
• Trees and shrubs for a spray zone, 15-20 minutes per day.
• Drip irrigation should run 30-60 minutes per cycle.

The challenge with regard to watering is to run the sprinklers long enough to meet the needs of the plant material whether it is lawn, shrubs, trees, and flowers and also be absorbed by the soil but not so much that it infiltrates past the root zone or runs off to another area.

The best time to water is very early in the morning due to better pressure and volume. We recommend setting the clock to start after midnight and finish by 6:00 am. This way there is little interference with water usage in the home. EARLY MORNING WATERING IS BEST! TRY NOT TO WATER AFTER 10 AM AS NOW THE DAY IS HEATING UP and water will be wasted as it will evaporate before it goes deep into the soil.

If you still need help adjusting your controller do not hesitate to contact us or call 631-423-2211 for further discussion.

Drip Irrigation

2011-05-26T19:48:53Z

What better way to add color and visual interest to your front porch, patio, deck or pool then with a beautiful potted plant. Many clients have already added flower boxes, hanging baskets and pots to their homes but then find it difficult to water them regularly.

We resolved this situation several years ago by adding drip irrigation to all of the above. It's been so successful we took it one step further by installing a separate drip zone for the flower pots which is independent of the existing sprinkler system having the ability to run the cycle more frequently and for a longer period of time.

Everyday Rain Rich is installing drip irrigation on almost every new install and account we service. Drip irrigation has some many applications it is impossible to list them all.

]]> Some of the more popular items we use drip irrigation for are:

• Large evergreen border plantings
• Rose gardens
• Vegetable gardens
• Hanging baskets
• Flower pots
• Window boxes
• Bird baths
• Hard to water areas
• Commercial areas (prevents vandalism)

We can also install a fertilizer system that can feed these pots each time the drip system operates.

The options for customizations for drip irrigation are limitless and our system is extremely versatile. The flexible tubing, emitters, and connections allow us to reach any area.

These photos below are from a project we recently completed in Northport where our client had Rain Rich install drip in 31 pots on her deck and around her pool. We hid the tubing under the deck and around her foundation. The drip comes on everyday separately from her lawn and gardens.

For a free estimate click here or call us at 631-423-2211.

Spring Start Ups 2011

2011-05-26T13:56:37Z

Spring start ups are more than 50% complete and if you haven't had your sprinkler system turn on yet than this would probably be the last good week before the hot weather arrives. Hot weather is sure to return and I recommend you be prepared.

This spring we are finding more problems than usual due to the long and unusually cold winter that just passed. There are many different types of sprinkler systems that we install and with more than 70 days of snow cover on the ground we have found damage due to:

• Snow plows and snow blowers
• Machinery such as thatches, core aerators, and lawn mowers
• Continuous freeze thaw action of the ground on pipes and fittings tearing them apart

Sprinkler equipment, specifically residential grade sprinkler equipment, is only manufacture red to last 10 -12 years at most. Many of the sprinkler systems that Rain Rich services are much older and this is due to better quality equipment we install vs. the equipment our competitors install and the superior service we provide e.g. winterizing.
]]> Many of the sprinkler systems we service are much older than they should have lasted and although we can repair and keep them going we are finding the following problems:

• Breaks in pipes
• Broken control wires
• Sprinkler heads that will no longer rotate
• Broken or missing nozzles
• Zone valves with bad faulty solenoids and ruptured diaphragms
• Zone valves full of debris from the water supplier
• Controllers damaged due to electrical surges, left unplugged all winter, and faulty circuit board
• Rain sensors damaged by snow, wind, and ice.

In addition to the standard spring start up and repairs, many of the calls we are receiving or are finding during our scheduled appointment include sprinkler work due to:

• Home improvements
• Pool installations
• Landscape installation
• Driveway modifications

Making these kinds of repairs and modifications are too much for the normal service crew to take care of during the spring start up call and often we either have to reschedule or give the work to our install crew that has much greater manpower. There is much to do and it takes time, planning, estimating, and scheduling to accomplish all and complete on time. We want to assist and be helpful so we ask that you please call us as soon as possible to schedule your spring start up, your sprinkler repairs, and sprinkler modifications so that you may beat the heat!

Call us at 631-423-2211 or click here to contact us and arrange a convenient appointment.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-05T18:52:32Z

This weekend marks a very special holiday, Mother's Day.

In celebration of this holiday most will buy flowers, or beautiful plants such as geraniums, marigolds, petunias or impatiens. Like anything else, plants require constant care, and a few hot days without rain or water can kill off even the most drought tolerant plants. Most find it difficult and time consuming to water them regularly.

In honor of Mother's Day, you can receive $50 off any new drip system for flower pots, window boxes and hanging baskets. This year why not buy her something different, the Rain Rich Drip Irrigation System.

For those of you that may not know drip irrigation, it is a low volume method of delivering water slowly, close to the root zone of plants. The technology has been around for over 50 years and has been successfully used in the agriculture and landscape industry.

]]> The Drip Irrigation System allows water to absorb slowly into the soil. The slow delivery is what plants desire and benefit from resulting in faster growth and healthier plants.

Drip Irrigation Systems is ideal for:
• Rose Gardens
• Vegetable Gardens
• Hanging Baskets
• Flower Pots
• Window Boxes

The options for customizations for drip irrigation are limitless and our system is extremely versatile. Our technicians can run small drip tubes to each location so water is applied each time sprinklers operate.

Your plants will benefit from consistent, measured watering, leading to lush growth and beautiful blooms all season long. You won't have to hassle with a watering can or hose.

For a free estimate click here or call us at 631-423-2211.

P.S. Rain Rich can also install a fertilizer system that can feed these pots each time the drip system operates. Many clients are more than pleased with the results.

Today Is EARTH DAY!

2011-04-22T18:01:19Z

Helpful Tips To Conserve Energy At Home & In Your Yard

Today is Earth Day which is a good time to take a close look at the way you and your family use our planet's resources. Rather than a one-day effort, Earth Day should be just the first day of a life-long commitment to using the Earth's natural resources more wisely and more sparingly. There are many things - some big, some small that you and your family can do to help conserve energy and water resources all year round.

5 easy ways to conserve energy in your home:

1. Take short showers and shallow baths. A 5-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water. Save water by turning off the faucet while you shave or brush your teeth.
2. Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and toilets. Install aerators in faucets and a low-flow shower head to decrease water flow.
3. Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
4. Hold off on the laundry until you have a full load.
5. Park your car on the lawn when you wash it and you'll water the lawn at the same time.

]]>

10 easy ways to conserve energy in your yard:

• Practice outdoor water conservation. Do not wash down driveways, streets or sidewalks.

• Cover your swimming pool. This helps to prevent evaporation.

• Water deeply but less often. This will encourage plants to grow deeper roots, so that they need water less frequently. Low volume drip irrigation is ideal for trees, perimeter plants, shrubs and container planting.

• Maintain your sprinklers and irrigation. Fix broken sprinkler heads and pipes and make sure that spray patterns are directed where they are intended.

• Use high quality sprinkler heads. They actually pay for themselves by reducing water usage due to their efficient and uniform distribution of water.

• Use mulch on your garden to retain moisture. Ideal mulch candidates include hay, manure, leaves, wood chips, bark, and newspaper. Mulch conserves water and can also improve your soil as it breaks down and keeps weeds in check.

• Plant small trees under big trees. This will help prevent evaporation and provides some shade for your plants.

• Use edible plants in the landscape such as blueberries, fruit trees, spinach and kale.

• Plant drought-resistant landscaping. If you have a garden, devote an area to hardy plants that need relatively little water. Also, learn about native plants that naturally thrive in your area.

• Use grass seed to grow lawns that can adapt to our climate limiting water, fertilizer and pesticides.

Earth Day Events
• Saturday 4/23 Quogue Wildlife Refuge, Quogue, 10-3 pm

• Saturday & Sunday 4/30-5/1 Arbor Day Family Festival, Oyster Bay 10-5pm

• Saturday & Sunday 4/30- 5/1 Heckscher State Park Spring Festival, East Islip 11-4pm

Remember every day is Earth Day. For additional information on events and things you can do to help our planet visit www.earthday.org and the Earth Day Network.

Rain Rich Going Green: Save water with our water conservation products. Including eco-friendly rotary nozzles, green controllers and timers, green weather sensors, eco-friendly rain sensors and more. We carry Hunter solar sync, Toro rain sensors and Rain Bird soil moisture sensors.