Share a Water Source

The Dewey in Bloom project kicked off it's first season in spring 2024. We had an outstanding start to this endeavor, and we're looking for ways to expand and grow. While reviewing both our successes, and areas that need improvement, one of our major issues this summer was keeping the plants watered, and the work that this entails. To continue with the Dewey in Bloom project, and look at adding more planters, we've recognized that we must secure more water sources for our volunteers.

THE CHALLENGE

Each planter box contains a 30-gallon water reservoir that connects to a wicking system at the base of the planter. Watering plants from the "bottom up" encourages deeper root systems, and healthier, larger plants. While rain is helpful to "top water" our plants, it does not fill the reservoirs, which must be kept filled at all times to keep the wicking system working. The responsibility of keeping the reservoirs full is left to our hardworking volunteers, who keep Dewey blooming as a gift to their community. During heatwaves, our plants drink a lot of water, and in our climate, we often have to add water to the planters twice a week or more. If a planter is not near a water source, the volunteer caring for that planter must fill a large storage tote full of water at an available location, and use a wagon to transport the water to the planter. As you can imagine, this is tedious and labor intensive. We are also limited to planter locations, and how many more planters we can add, based on available water sources and their locations.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Do you own a home or business in Dewey Beach? Are you able to share an outdoor water source for our volunteers to use? We need to hear from you! Please fill out the questionnaire below, and a Dewey in Bloom volunteer will get in contact with you. We are happy to help answer any questions, and troubleshoot any potential concerns. We will work with you! The Dewey in Bloom project runs from spring through fall. The majority of watering needs are in mid summer to early fall when temps are highest. We want to make this process as easy as possible for both you, and our volunteers responsible for plant care. Please complete this questionnaire only if you are comfortable with a volunteer accessing your outdoor water source for the Dewey in Bloom project. We appreciate your willingness to learn more about how you can help with this project!