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For the Birds: Misters Add Interest and Cool Atmosphere to the Garden
by Nellie Neal
A
mister is a simple device, easily installed on a ground or pedestal type
birdbath, the edge of a water garden or even a bowl of rocks. The sound and
motion of gently dripping water sets a relaxing mood and helps muffle
exterior sounds, too. Adding a mister to your garden not only gives birds
and beneficial insects a place to drink, but also cools the immediate area,
making it a great place for tender plants like cuttings you hope will take
root. Provide a place for the birds to stand, give them water and they’ll
find it.
Parts
of a mister
water
tubing, usually rigid, often black
adapter to attach the tube to the water source
needle valve to adjust drip rate
screen washer to filter debris and keep tube clean
Set
it up today
Purchase
a mister kit, either one that can attach or stand free in a bowl of pebbles.
Choose between simple misters that spritz, drippers that direct water
droplets off of leaves or ripplers to set in the birdbath and animate its
water. Look for stainless steel construction and powder coated parts for
durability.
Attach a Y fitting to your hosebib – one side will supply the mister, the other will hold your garden hose or act as a faucet. Install the brass adapter to the faucet with the filter washer in place to keep debris out of the system.
Secure
the mister in its place – wire it, anchor it with pebbles or bury the ends
for a ground level location. Attach the tubing to the needle valve that
controls the water flow and hide it as best you can by running the tube
behind the bath or under some mulch.
Turn
on the water (just barely) and adjust the valve until it drips to your
satisfaction. Most misters use no more than 2 gallons an hour, and can be
regulated to use even less and still be effective.
Keep
it clean.
Flush out the tubing and filter washer at least once a month to keep the
water clean and flowing freely.