A new sprinkler system saves me $$$

The muted flow of a calm Saturday morning finds me relaxing by the kitchen window, sipping my aromatic cup of coffee while reading the newspaper. Suddenly I notice a familiar man walking back and forth across my yard measuring distances and counting his steps. Instinctively, I walked outside and invited my compadre Jorge and his companion to come in and have a cup of coffee. "Not now. Thank you we have work to do!" he answered in an exacting manner. I momentarily realized that he was here to keep a commitment. He promised, some months back, to design a new sprinkler system for my yard. This morning he was focused on giving directions and precised tasks to Abelardo, his adjunct grounds keeper. Realizing that this would not be a customary visit but a compulsory day of physical effort, I briskly went inside to put away my coffee cup, put on my shoes and rejoin them outside to ascertain his vision for my lawn and gardens.
He meticulously measured the area and mathematically arrived at the number feet of PVC pipe I needed to purchase. He drew a diagram positioning the type and number of sprinklers to be used and their location in a plot plan. He gave me a list of elbows, reducers, risers, valves, tees, fittings, anti siphon valves, adhesive and the brains of the project a very expensive 12 station all weather timer. "Now I'm ready for breakfast and you are buying. Lets go", he urged. We, then, went to his favorite Mexican restaurant.  During breakfast, he outlined a daily schedule, allotting four days to complete the job.

This is the old leaky inadequate system that was being replaced. 
I will no longer have to turn sprinklers on manually, then forget to turn them off.

 I asked whether that would be enough time.  Jorge took pride in  reminding me, "¡Yo ya tengo cayo para esto!": I have a knack for this kind of job. He has completed systems for all of his numerous properties, as well as those belonging to his brothers, cousins and friends. Judging from his ease in approaching the task and the loyalty his helpers demonstrated, I could not disagree with his projections...epecially when he was doing this job gratis. After breakfast, we proceeded to his favorite home center and plumbing supply store where he ordered and I purchased everything on his list. "These are all the required materials, but we'll need  fertilizer and some other items", he added. I have to admit my wallet felt a little lighter after the purchases.

A few days later as I returned home after taking my dog for a brisk morning walk, I found Abelardo  laboriously occupied, trenching, measuring, cutting pipe and joining sprinkler heads.

At this point, the first four stations have been installed, along with their shut-off valves.

The plan called for trenching only for the amount of pipe which could be installed 
with sprinklers and re-filled  daily in order to avoid leaving open trenches overnight. 
This was a safety precaution for pedestrians or children.

Each line of brown grass is where station, pipes and sprinklers have been installed,
 and trenches filled.

The second and third day went by very smoothly. Jorge would show up to 

inspect the progress, give suggestions and partake in a few libations, most welcome

 in a hot summer day.With the front completed, Jorge continued onto the side lawn. 

After closing all the trenches, it was time to see the results

Front lawn: all sprinklers working correctly.

Side lawn: greening up rapidly.

Wisely Jorge planed for the giant planters to have their own drop irrigation because each one will be a different ecosystem with different watering needs. Each will be a station attached to the timer.

Jorge, connecting the timer to each station and

making critical adjustments to the drop water stations.

"El maestro", Jorge advised that I should use the drop water method to irrigate all the raised planters, this method saves $$ on our water bill by diminishing the flow of water. The photo below illustrates how it works.

A nipple and small hose is connected to the water line leading to the root of an
individual plant. This method improves watering and prevents evaporation.
The timer regulates how much water you want each plant to have.

My son David, was instrumental in helping me haul and spread two
 square yards of cactus soil, as we prepare to connect this raised
dessert planter to the watering system.

This is the last station to be hooked on... my desert Cactus garden.

Once integrated to the watering system, the planter is ready
 to accept some Arizona crushed rock in the very near future.

I had been planning to do this job for years, but it wasn't until my compadre Jorge showed up and ..."helped me get the lead out" and make my dream became a reality . The job went smoothly, the lawn is greener, the raised beds are blooming and I am saving $$ on my water bills. Thank you! Compadre!