Tag: rainwater

Learn From The Cisterns!

On By durhammastergardenersIn Durham NC, Uncategorized

A Lesson in Merging Art, Education, and Functionality

By Lisa Nadler, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

A volunteer artist painting a mural on a cistern, featuring flowers and wildlife, against a brick wall.
An artist painting floral designs on a gray cistern while holding a cup, with a ladder and building in the background.
Volunteers painting a colorful mural on a large cistern outside a brick building, showcasing plants and flowers.

A group led by Lisa Nadler (left) and artist Dave Milkereit (center), both Durham County Master Gardener Volunteers, painted wonderful murals on these cisterns. This beautiful work of art took various volunteers (right) a total of 400 hours to complete. (Image credit: Lisa Nadler, Dave Milkereit)

In a previous blog article dated January 22, 2025, we shared the story of transforming our peeling and industrial looking cisterns at the Durham County Extension Office. (Read more here: From Eyesore to Educational Masterpiece). A quick recap for today’s post: Two large cisterns sit on the north side of the cooperative extension building at 721 Foster St, Durham, NC. They feed rainwater to our Demonstration Garden primarily on the east side of the building. The cisterns were practical but not very attractive. Our goal was to make them artful.

A large, green cistern with peeling paint is positioned next to a brick building, featuring a water pumping system and connected hoses. The area is landscaped with grass.

One of the original industrial cisterns needing a remake. (Image credit: Lisa Nadler)

The Demonstration Garden features a variety of mostly native plants grouped by their sunlight requirements. Rainwater for the garden is collected from the building’s roof and stored in the two large cisterns. A pump system distributes the water, reducing the need for manual watering. This approach conserves city water during all but the driest spells, it saves time, and provides consistent irrigation.

Diagram showing the water flow system from two cisterns to the Demonstration Garden, including a pump, filters, main line, and zone valves directing water to various garden beds.

Water flow diagram from cistern to garden (Image credit: Lisa Nadler)

From start to finish, this project was a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and careful planning. The project reflected the core mission of the Master Gardener program: to educate, beautify, and engage our communities.

Through 400 hours of volunteer service, these artfully painted cisterns aren’t just visually striking; they play an essential role in our sustainability efforts and reflect the values we bring to everything we do: thoughtful planning, hands-on teamwork, and a commitment to cultivating both beauty and purpose in our shared spaces.

Goals of the Cistern Painting Project

Our project aimed to:

Support the mission of the Master Gardener program through education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. We hit the mark, while having fun. The cisterns became a symbol of community pride. Our three specific goals were to:

  • Enhance the visual appeal and create a welcoming space for visitors to the Extension Office at 721 Foster Street.
  • Introduce visitors to the Demonstration Garden and highlight the work of Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Durham County.
  • Educate the public about native wetland and garden plants through the cistern artwork and an accompanying educational website.
    • The website offers:
      • A detailed overview of the cistern project, including the decision-making process behind the artwork.
      • Information about the artist, Dave Milkereit
      • A summary of the native plants and pollinators depicted on the cisterns.
      • A step by step guide to the painting process.
    • The site also provides:
      • A history of the Demonstration Garden.
      • Details about the design and functionality of the irrigation system.
      • A summary of the mission and purpose of Master Gardeners program.
      • An extensive list of resources on these topics.

Look at our success!

A gray cistern painted with colorful floral designs, including hibiscus and bluebells, located beside a brick building.
A painted cistern featuring bright yellow flowers, a ruby-throated hummingbird, and a monarch butterfly, set against a gray background, located outside a brick building.

The completed cisterns (Image credit: Lisa Nadler)

Eight Months, 400 Hours, One Collaborative Vision

This project came together faster than you’d think—just eight months from August 2024 to April 2025! It took a total of 400 volunteer hours, and every single one counted. A sharp, dedicated group led by Lisa Nadler and Dave Milkereit, worked through each step—from stripping off old paint and scuffing the surface, to carefully outlining designs and mixing colors. A paint-by-number method enabled volunteers to efficiently fill in colors with accuracy. Final touches included artistic detailing and the final application of a UV and graffiti protection system, ensuring durability and its continued use as a teaching tool.

A colorful graphic illustrating the step-by-step process of painting cisterns, including tasks like removing old paint, applying a base coat, and outlining designs.

Close attention was paid to the details to make sure everything turned out right. A smart plan and hard work made the whole thing come together. (Image credit: Lisa Nadler)

Visit and Learn

We invite you to explore more on our cisterns through the cistern’s website or the QR code on each cistern. It’s a fun and educational experience that highlights the beauty and utility of these once-overlooked structures.

A close-up view of a mural on a cistern featuring yellow flowers and pink blossoms, with text labels and a QR code for educational information.
One of the completed cisterns with its informational QR code. (Image credit: Lisa Nadler)

Resources and Additional Information

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