I just went through my first big rain storm since setting up the rain barrels.  I can't believe how poor the design is. The mesh cover is intended to keep  mosquitoes out, but is so fine that it actually blocks water from entering the barrel when there is a heavy down flow of water. Water is actually diverted either to 1) an outer rim so that water is moved away from opening and onto the ground, or 2) into the absolutely useless planter which makes it a mosquito haven since it doesn't completely drain away.  Kind of defeats the purpose of a rain barrel.   Regarding the planter, too much water enters the planter to be used for anything other than bog or aquatic plants (I am guessing) since anything else would drown.