close icon
leaf icon
leaf icon
leaf icon
calendar icon
Gardens To Visit
caret icon
Visit a PHS garden or landscape to help build stronger social connections with your community.
For Neighborhoods
caret icon
Explore programs that create healthy, livable environments and increase access to fresh food.
For Gardeners
caret icon
Engage with PHS on gardening, whether you’re an expert or a beginner.
About Us
caret icon
Get to know our story, become a part of our staff, or see what is in the news with PHS.
The Flower Show

Earth Week: Part One

April 20, 2020

leaf icon impact

leaf icon phs programs

resized rain check for today 4 20

Rain Barrels

Installing a rain barrel on your property is one of the most productive measures you can take to manage stormwater. Not only will your rain barrel capture excess stormwater that can be used in your garden, it will prevent nearby streams and waterways from overflowing with runoff.

Rosemary Howard, PHS Residential Stormwater Assistant Program Manager, leads our collaboration with the Philadelphia Water Department to provide complimentary rain barrels for Philadelphia residents. She reviews the benefits of installing a rain barrel for those who are unfamiliar. If you live in the city of Philadelphia and do not have a rain barrel, sign up for a free Rain Check Workshop, then attend the mandatory information session to learn more about the barrels’ function and maintenance. Once you have attended the workshop, PHS and PWD will schedule delivery and installation of your rain barrel free of charge. Note: You must attend a workshop and submit a waiver signed by the homeowner.

For those who already have their rain barrels, Rosemary provides a refresher on reconnecting the barrel to spring mode, as they need to be disconnected over the winter to prevent freezing. 

Earth Week: Rain Barrels

Earth Week Series: Rain Barrels

Explore how a rain barrel and stormwater management can help your garden and help the environment with Rosemary Howard.

Earth Week 2020 is a five part series! Read on in our second post on making natural dyes from food.