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Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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Posted by
femmeradsy Newcastle, NSW (
My Page) on
Wed, Oct 5, 05 at 22:07
| I have a vague memory of seeing devices advertised that cheep when a pot needs watering - some kind of long stick with a bird at the end. Or something like that? Whatever they are, I am looking for something to remind my grandfather that his roses need watering.
At 87 years young, he decided this year that he wanted his first rose garden. I planted two roses in half wine barrels for him. I visit regularly to tend them myself, but in between he is supposed to water them. Only problem is, it clearly isn't happening. Despite all the usual reminders like a note on the fridge for what days to water, etc, the soil is dry. I suspect he may be watering but too briefly. He can't lift a watering can so I can't even use that to teach him how much to use. His memory is starting to fade obviously, but I'd like to find some way to help rather than just taking over from him.
If anyone can think of some device to help, I'd be most grateful. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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| How wonderful that your Grandfather wants roses now , but at such a grand age your Grandfather may not be able to hear the thing anyway. It may be better if perhaps you put lots of water crystals in the barrels and that may do till you visit again. If you think they would dry out between visits maybe a neighbour could help out or perhaps ring him up and tell him to go and water them now till the water starts to run out. If you put heaps of mulch on the top and the water crystals in the potting medium it should stay damp for a lot longer than it is now. Good luck to you on any solution you try...Cheers..MM. |
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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| I was going to suggest what MM did. The other thing that comes to mind is a two litre plastic drink container with a small hole in the lid, fill it up with water and push the lid end into the soil, that may be enough to tide them over till your next visit, or maybe your Granddad will notice the containers empty and refill them. |
Water things
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| Oh...I did mean to say that we bought a couple of the bird things for my MIL some years ago, they worked for a short while, then stopped. |
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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| Thanks for this, sounds like the water crystals are worth a try. Since everything is already planted, what's the best way to get them in? I presume having them sitting up near the surface is pointless. What if I get a thick stick, poke several deep holes (gently in case I bump roots), then sprinkle the crystals in and settle the soil back over the top - would that work? Yes it is lovely to see him getting into this. He spends a fair bit of time in my rose garden whenever he visits us, and tells fond stories of his stepmother's garden back in Poland in the 1920s and 30s. Gardens really do bring life into our lives! |
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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How about a simple digital alarm clock in the kitchen which is set to 5pm every evening. He can then check whether they need water each day.
Maybe a hose nearby would be easier and a cooking timer which says when 2 minutes or however long it takes to water a rose in a wine barrel, is up.
I do hope his roses thrive, how wonderful for you to have such an obviously close relationship with your grandfather and that you obviously care about him so much. |
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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| He's having problem with a hose. You want to make his life a living hell with a new-fangled alarm clock??? You meanie...*chuckle* |
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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| LOL Mooquack. I am ok with my alarm clock......as long as the power doesn't go off!!!!! |
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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| If you are going to use the water crystals, then get a stick and poke several holes as deep as you can, pour some crystals into the holes, then water before covering the holes over. I think there are instructions on the bottle, if memory serves me well. |
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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| Thanks for everyone's help on this. I'm just back from another visit to Papa, during which I added some crystals to the pots using Cheryl's technique. Here's hoping! We'll see - but in the meantime, there's always a good cup of tea with every visit. |
RE: Watering-reminder devices: do any work?
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Thats wonderful Deb, how were the roses this time ?
Good to be make welcome...Cheers..MM. |
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