Places in the metro to buy a rain barrel? (and good local nurseries) (Inver Grove Heights: for sale, co-op)

[Camden Northsider]

So, yesterday I went to buy a rain barrel at The ReUse Center (great place if you've never been - Home). I had seen the barrels they had last year in-store and didn't mind them so assumed that naturally they would have the same ones in stock again this year. After I dropped $85 on my card I saw what I bought (as seen in the link above)- something that looks like either a large garbage can much like what you would find in a city park, or something that, with the exception of the skull and crossbone stickers, looks like a drum that might be containing some type of toxic chemical.

I've resolved to paint it and throw it in an inconspicuous corner on the back of my house, but I still need something for a very visible front corner. After an online search, I've only seen about 5 different styles of rain barrels to be found anywhere, all priced somewhat high and needing to be shipped from other areas of the US.

So, has anyone seen or found any rain barrels for sale locally that (1) are not plastic and (2) are somewhat decorative/ could look good in front of a house?

And, just out of curiosity, I'm wondering if anyone has any good nursery recommendations in the metro area (outside of Bachman'$). In general I'm very happy with the prices/ selection of our local area nursery Malmborgs Inc. "Geraniums by George" but am trying to find some shade perennials/ native species that I'm not sure that they carry. Thanks-

[golfgal]

Gertens in Inver Grove Heights--the place is HUGE and has good prices. They might be able to order a rain barrel that would work for you. I have only seen the green plastic ones.

[Ben Around]

We were over at the Reuse Center in Mpls yesterday. The rain barrels I saw there looked like the one you posted the link for, except they were all white! Not very inconspicuous! You may want to try the Mississippi Food Co-op to see about rain barrels.

RE: nurseries, there's a great little nursery Minnehaha Ave at about 44 St. They don't have anywhere near the selection or inventory of Bachman's or Gerten's, but their prices are better, if you can find what you want. Also, Highland Nursery on West 7th St. by 35E in St Paul has some very unusual plants that Bachman's, Lindner's, Gertens, etc. don't carry. Nice place, nice people, but the prices are high.

[Camden Northsider]

Thanks for the suggestions guys - I don't think I had ever actually heard of Gerten's so that's worth checking into (although I'll have to overcome my fear of driving to the southern suburbs first - wish me luck), and I'll let you know if Mississippi Food co-op has rain barrel options ben.

I also heard about the big plant sale at the Fairgrounds this Friday/ Saturday (sponsored by "Friends" charter school?) - I heard it's pretty well-attended and plants go pretty quick, so I'm debating taking the day off work to get in line early for it.

I also found a good resource/ company in Princeton, MN that specializes in native plants and landscaping - their company/ website/ online catalog is pretty impressive: Prairie Restorations Inc - Restoring Natural Habitats - Maintaining Native Landscapes.

[golfgal]

If it makes you feel better Gerten's is right off 494 so you really don't have to drive in the suburbs, just the highway. Bring your walking shoes, the place is HUGE. If you are going on a weekend you might want to pack a lunch, it will take a while.

[BarbaraMN]

Our neighbors put their green barrel into an antique barrel (like a big whiskey keg). It looks cute. Maybe you can just disguise the generic one?

[Cris Cannon]

I bought a whiskey barrel for $65 at Wagners on Penn (a greehouse i highly recommend - all plants have thrived and prices are good). In a couple hours I made it a functional rain barrel - prettier and cheaper than all the plastic ones I've seen. Do be aware that it can smell boozy! I don't happen to mind

To make functional: I used a 1" drill bit to make hole near bottom to screw in a 3/4" spigot(aka bib), and did the same near the top to accommodate overflow pipe I can screw a hose to. I drilled put a 1" hole in the top of the barrel to get a jig saw started, cut a hole to accommodate a medium plastic plant bucket (the kind your plants come in - already has holes in the bottom, but I drilled a couple more.) I lined the bottom of the plant bucket with window screen to discourage mosquitos, but I'll probably put in mosquito dunks too.

Used it first time tonight - and it is FILLED. I have a very small house/roof so I was completely floored that just one spout off my roof funneled a whole barrel of water! No wonder my front yard has been such a swamp!

[Camden Northsider]

Originally Posted by Cris Cannon

I bought a whiskey barrel for $65 at Wagners on Penn (a greehouse i highly recommend - all plants have thrived and prices are good). In a couple hours I made it a functional rain barrel - prettier and cheaper than all the plastic ones I've seen. Do be aware that it can smell boozy! I don't happen to mind

To make functional: I used a 1" drill bit to make hole near bottom to screw in a 3/4" spigot(aka bib), and did the same near the top to accommodate overflow pipe I can screw a hose to. I drilled put a 1" hole in the top of the barrel to get a jig saw started, cut a hole to accommodate a medium plastic plant bucket (the kind your plants come in - already has holes in the bottom, but I drilled a couple more.) I lined the bottom of the plant bucket with window screen to discourage mosquitos, but I'll probably put in mosquito dunks too.

Used it first time tonight - and it is FILLED. I have a very small house/roof so I was completely floored that just one spout off my roof funneled a whole barrel of water! No wonder my front yard has been such a swamp!

Wow, that's very helpful Cris - not sure I'm as handy as you are, but worth giving it a try (and if I were as inclined to construct them as yourself, being with what I've seen with the apparent lack of options around the metro, I'd think about selling them). Thanks-

[Cris Cannon]

Originally Posted by Camden Northsider

Wow, that's very helpful Cris - not sure I'm as handy as you are, but worth giving it a try (and if I were as inclined to construct them as yourself, being with what I've seen with the apparent lack of options around the metro, I'd think about selling them). Thanks-

Hmmm, more money to spend on the garden... Good idea!

[Elena Barrel Queen]

Hi,

If you are looking for some beautiful rain barrels that are not made out of plastic you can purchase a rain barrel that is made from recycled oak, wine barrels. We sell these barrels for a really reasonable rate...especially if you factor in the fact most wine barrels cost $100 just for the shipping. Go to our website and check it out www.barreldepot.com. Our rain barrels, complete and assembled, are $159 or you can buy just the barrel for $89 and a rain barrel kit for $25. This will allow you to convert the barrel yourself and save some money.

In many cases our oak barrels are cheaper than some of the plastic ones and look really good in a garden. They hold up very well and are made out of solid oak. If you have any questions you can email me at barreldepot@live.com