Can you spot the cement septic cover?
Dealing with a well and septic system are part of the reality of country living. Functionality rules and it’s not pretty.
An aesthetically challenged cement cover rests on my well.
Several years ago we invested in cement covers in order to ease access to our well and septic tank. A septic tank needs to be pumped out regularly and well pumps need to be replaced when they reach end of life. Before we had the cement covers installed, digging up both these areas with a backhoe or shovel always made the process of gaining access more of an ordeal. Although the cement covers are a practical solution, they’re also an eyesore, jutting almost a couple of feet out of the ground. Our septic tank was also located directly in front of the house.
Stones placed on the cement cover make its hard lines less noticeable.
Fake rock covers made of hollow plastic can be purchased to cover these monstrosities but they are quite expensive. Some people even construct wishing wells to surround the entrances to their wells and septic tanks but that’s not my style. A live green cover with shallow roots seemed to be the best option. I decided to plant several Rhododendron bushes around the cover in the front yard. I bought them at half price at an end of season sale in mid-summer one year. Leaves on these bushes are evergreen and provide a camouflage effect year round.
Rhododendrons bloom in early summer.
In early summer, blooms on the Rhododendron plants surrounding the cover attract numerous bees and butterflies. It’s best to not have the tank pumped out during this time as the bees would be hazardous to the person doing the work. Our tank was pumped out a couple of weeks ago and was very easy to access despite the growth around the cover.
Raindrops glisten on Rhododendrons before dawn.
My well cover is still in need of a camouflage solution but is in a less prominent place in the backyard. I’ve tried growing Eunomymus shrubs but ended up transplanting them elsewhere in the yard. They didn’t conform to the shape of the cover as well as the Rhododendrons. English Ivy vines may be a better solution. Please feel free to suggest some other alternatives.
June 28, 2009 at 8:31 am
A septic tank story!
Yep, we country-folks and our septic tanks… Our house was built before you needed the modern “mounds” now required around here. We still have to dig up with a backhoe or shovel or something. Your idea is very practical and…dare I say…pretty?
June 29, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Hey, “Centria!”
I have followed your name from here to your blog. I was curious to know what Yoopers are (U.P.ers). Now I know!
Beautiful photography! And I love the title, “The gall of that oak tree!”
(lol)
By the way, I am an old friend of Amy/Flandrumhill, and I live in B.C.
June 29, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Thanks, Joan for looking at my blog. Any friend of Amy’s is a friend of mine!
Glad you know about Yoopers now!
June 30, 2009 at 11:34 pm
LOL I am a troll (from below the bridge)
June 29, 2009 at 7:05 am
Thanks Kathy. Though it does look pretty, my goal was to simply make the thing look as inconspicuous as possible.
This past winter I first wrote about the septic tank in a post about making hard surfaces nature friendly. Since then, many visitors have arrived at my blog while searching for information on how to camouflage these cement covers. Lots of country folk have concerns about their septic tanks. When you live in the city, it’s so easy to take municipal water and sewer systems for granted.
June 30, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I have seen photos where they put trellises on three sides of the septic/well covers. Then they just add roses or any other climbing flower. I imagine honeysuckle, clematis or a number of others would do. The open side allows for easy access to the tanks. Of course, you would want to create a garden bed around it so you don’t just have a trellis in the middle of your yard
July 1, 2009 at 7:50 am
That’s a great idea Jessica. Thanks for suggesting it. I never would have thought of building up around the form.
July 1, 2009 at 8:27 am
All trolls, faeries, elves and gnomes are welcome here