By Elizabeth Forget Brisson, Buyer, Rona Forget

The maple sap is running and so are our eaves troughs. Have you thought of giving these latter a good clean-out to ensure that your roof drains properly? Remember, the debris of last fall may have settled in your gutters, keeping the water from draining the way it should.

And what about recovering that good water? There are several possibilities available for recovering water directly from the gutters, or you can buy rain barrels for from $60 to $120. The water saved can then be used to water your plants, garden, and even your lawn during those summer heat waves. It’s a good solution, both economically and ecologically.

There’s an alternative that can be used to make things pleasant both visually and aurally: rain chains. This mainly decorative product is attached directly to the horizontal gutter and allows the water to run down the chain gently, creating an enjoyable sound much like that of a fountain. You can imagine the Zen atmosphere created by this little gem. Some think that the aesthetic and the practical are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but this could be the exception to the rule.

Rain chains originated in Japan, where they have adorned temples for hundreds of years and are part of the Japanese art and tradition of the garden. So why not substitute a rain chain for the more usual aluminum, steel or PVC downspout and bring a touch of originality to your environment? A barrel could be positioned at the base of the rain chain, providing you with an attractive way to recover the water. Rain chains are quite affordable, and can be found in the store’s decorating department for $60 to $115.

What a great idea: improving our home well-being while doing something for the environment!