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Access to adequate water supply is the lynchpin of gardening success. But public water sources aren’t always available, even in heavy rainfall areas, supply can exceed demand. Installing a water reclamation system is easier than you think and can deliver a water supply for happy gardening year round.

It is likely that your property already has some elements of a water reclamation system. As a giant rain catcher, a rooftop can be exposed to thousands of gallons per year: an ample supply for maintaining a stunning garden. Rainfall calculators like which can be easily found with a Google search will show you how much water you are missing out on by not reclaiming it, whether your region is arid or temperate.

The gutter is the key component, after the roof, of a typical water reclamation system. Gutters run along the eves of the house and utilize downspouts to channel the water into storm drains. Downspouts can also divert water to a rain barrel with about a 70 gallon capacity. You can reclaim even more water for future use by adding a rain barrel at every corner of the house.

As an aesthetic alternative with equally efficient operation for water reclamation, rain chains can be attached to gutters in place of conventional downspouts. In contrast to galvanized metal downspouts, rain chains consist of ornamental sculptures, funnels, or tiny cups that channel rainwater in tiny waterfalls to a pebbled area, basin, saucer or rain barrel. Rain chains can transform an ordinary water reclamation system into an ornamental one, enhancing the design of your garden.

Try planting a variety of lush ferns, Sugar Maple, Indigo Bush, or Red Chokeberry to create a “rain garden” around your water source. Rain garden plants like these absorb excess moisture that gathers around the source, be it a rain barrel, basin or other receptacle.

Even with a rain garden to absorb excess, runoff is still likely with heavy downpours. Help reduce storm drain runoff by planting water-loving plants along decorative retaining walls. Altering terrain levels to create natural irrigation systems serves to channel water to plants further from the source. Attaching soaker hoses to rain barrels helps distribute water to drier areas, like succulent or less-thirsty flower beds, without using pumps.

To assure a consistent water supply, save money on bills, and keep plants happy, a water reclamation system combining rain barrels with rain chains and varied terrain for irrigation, can also result in a unique mini ecosystem that resembles the surrounding environment. This natural landscape contributes to a healthy, water conscious and beautiful garden.