Fiskars Rainwater Collection System Earns A "green thumbs up" From National Home Gardening Club Testers

Madison, WI (Vocus) April 15, 2009 -- After real-life testing by avid gardeners from across the U.S., the Fiskars (www.fiskars.com) Rainwater Collection System has earned the official recommendation of the National Home Gardening Organization.

The System is an attractive way to collect, store and dispense rainwater. The barrel is equipped with a diverter that automatically channels water from the gutter downspout into the barrel. Once the rain barrel is full, the rainwater continues down the downspout and away from your home's foundation.

The product testers, all members of the nation's largest gardening club, evaluated the Rainwater Collection System (www.rain-barrel.com) on 10 key factors ranging from ease of installation and overall performance to appearance, durability and price.

In total, the group gave the system a member rating of 8.7 out of a possible perfect 10. The testers also conferred a 94% overall approval rating, described by Gardening How-To product test editor Ross Tanner as, "excellent results and certainly something to be proud of."

The Collection System earned its highest ratings for ease of use, appearance, clarity of instructions and performance. Many reviewers commented that they considered owning a rain barrel, but did not have one because traditional barrels are typically unsightly and cumbersome. "I've always wanted a rain barrel and this one exceeded my expectations," says tester Shelley Clapp, Georgia. "It looks great -- like an Italian storage jar -- and works just as well."

Testers noted that installation, while requiring basic tools and modest do-it-yourself skills, was clearly explained and relatively simple. "I installed it myself, much to the surprise and disappointment of my significant other -- I think he wanted to do it," notes Bernadette Baca, Louisiana. "It's now the focal point of a greatly neglected corner of the house."

Ease of use was another plus for the Fiskars Collection System. "The best feature is the spout, and being able to attach a longer hose," noted tester Dr. John Bennett, Tennessee. "I can take off the hose to fill a sprinkling can. It's just a great product."

To see videos on how the Fiskars Rainwater Collection System works, read information on water conservation or download an installation guide, visit www.rain-barrel.com.

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