I ran 1" on mine even though I only have a 3/4 main in the house, that is so corroded up, it probably only is really 1/2". I did it for 2 reasons. I couldn't afford to lose any more flow on my already limited supply and the other reason is someday in the future, the mainline will eventually be replaced with something bigger and my irrigation system will already be ready for it.

Removing old irrigation valves and wiring carelessly with a shovel poses several risks and is not a good idea. This approach might sever connections or damage underground pipes, which can be costly to repair. Additionally, if the wires are still connected to an electrical source, there is a risk of electrical shock or short-circuiting, which can be dangerous. Before removing the valves, it would be wise to ensure that all electrical connections are safely disconnected and that the valves are not under pressure from the system. A safer approach would be to carefully excavate around the valves, ensuring all connections and pipes are fully exposed. Once visible, disconnect the valves properly, cap any live ends or open pipes, and ensure that the area is safe and ready for planting. This method will protect the existing system’s integrity and ensure safety throughout the process. After proper removal, filling the space with soil and planting a shrub as desired can proceed safely.

Beautiful photos and beautiful subjects, Sheila. Your comment about Ingrid alarmed me. I didn’t know what to make of it. Then, while looking at kitty’s Juliet photos, the ”ask Houzz any remodeling question” box popped up on my screen. This is what followed: Has Ingrid from the Houzz Rose forum been sick or ill very recently I searched the Houzz Rose forum for any discussions related to Ingrid's health status, but I couldn't find any information about her recent health or illness. The discussions found were about roses, specifically the Ingrid Bergman rose variety, and other related topics.

When you say you’ve ‘got the rain water’, do you mean you generally have a lot of rainfall or you have access to a nearby freshwater source? To redirect rainwater falling directly on your property, you have to capture it in some sort of receptacle first. The old Spanish/Arabian systems do channel water over great distances via gravity feed, but usually diverted or drawn from a freshwater source - river, mountain spring, aquifer etc. There is the chain method, whereby rainwater from a building’s guttering is directed down vertical chains to specific plants from the roof, but that assumes your roses are placed conveniently close to a building overhang to benefit. You could collect and funnel rainwater with large tent-like structures stretched between poles with a hole in the middle, desert-style. However, that’s not a particularly attractive or practical solution for your average garden. In a previous rural property with no electricity or municipal water, I had series of large water barrels raised about 3ft above ground, with permeable seep hose connected to each, directing water to vegetable beds. They were filled from a nearby river with a small petrol water pump, plus leaving the covers off when rain was expected. I have a similarly simple gravity-fed seepage hose system in my current home, directed to a large bed, which some roses do benefit from. The water source is rainwater falling on the garage roof, connected via a downpipe to a rainwater barrel