Watering cans as garden ornaments
Long before hoses and sprinklers became standard equipment for gardeners, watering cans were the tool of choice. Elegantly styled and often ingeniously engineered, watering cans gave gardeners an effective way to provide a little extra water. Today, watering cans may not compete with high-tech and automatic irrigation, but they do combine convenience, precision, and a personal touch that no hose or sprinkler can give you!
LoriAnne Ross’s charming display
Watering cans are so very decorative. So much so, that we can forget they’re supposed to be performing a function in the garden. Of course, we think watering cans are best when well-used and with a vintage looking patina. Some of us merely collect watering cans, but the option is always there when fertilizing time comes. I really like watering cans for fertilizing.
Two basic features to look for in watering cans are:
- A well balanced handle. That means the water won’t be splashed out of the can on the walk over to the plant.
- A reasonable capacity. Water is heavy! But, you also want a can that doesn’t need refilling after each plant. Choose the largest size you feel comfortable lifting.
Spike Leuthy’s very vintage looking cans
My treasured gift from a friend…I drop in a tablespoon of fertilizer and ‘do’ all my potted plants…
From Garden Whimsies by Mary
Majella Maas’s collection
How we use antique watering cans
- For fertilizing…just add water soluble fertilizer and away you go
- To plant in…perfect for leaky cans
- To create a vignette,…watering cans are part of a collection f varied vintage objects that make up a ‘little scene’ or vignette in a corner of the garden.
- As part of a collection or grouping of several or many watering cans of different sizes and materials
Jane’s spray painted watering can,…shouldn’t you paint one of your watering cans blue?
Joyce England’s fence full of watering cans
Linda Roden’s artlessly placed grouping
Betty Heffner’s shelf for watering cans
Betty says, “I seem to think watering cans and bird’s nests go together. I have a few newer cans that I fit in with the older ones.”
Sue Loring’s line of galvanized cans and one ….blue!
Old Soul Studios’ warm welcome
Di-Ellen Davenport’s galvanized vignette
Arlene Brenneman’s Spring fresh iris contrasts with a thoroughly rusty watering can…
Resources
Vintage watering cans in the garden
History and Presentation of Antique Watering Cans
From Martha….it’s a ‘good thing’ One interesting fact told in this video is that the sprinkler tip of the watering can, called a ‘rose’ is from the French word for sprinkler, arroseur. Nice to know!
The best of the best
What makes this watering can worth $79.00?
Haws Watering Cans have been manufactured in England since 1886.
Over one hundred years ago in 1886 John Haws of Clapton, London obtained a patent for an improved watering pot. The patent read:
‘This new invention forms a watering pot that is much easier to carry and tip, and at the same time being much cleaner, and more adapted for use than any other put before the public.’
John Haws first worked out his improved design and method of manufacture from a French made waterpot (or can as they are now called) and designed a can with perfect balance. Whether full, half full or empty the can could be used without undue strain to the operator. To this day, the original design has not been altered in any major way.
Cheryle Williams’s perfect patina
Now,….what do you think?
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1 Comment
…another neat article!