Watering cans serve more than just function to us gardeners that are equally interested in style and design. Although useful, they also create a pleasing mood when used as decoration in and around the garden.
I have always been drawn to antique watering cans. Their form is classic and calls forth a calming scene when placed in the garden. The more banged up the watering can the more appeal it has to me. What stories could this useful tool tell if given the chance? What sorts of previous owners have tenderly cared for their plants with the watering can’s sole purpose to water and give life. There is an air of timelessness to this ever reliable hand tool.
If I could afford to do so I would own a huge collection of these gardening treasures. I invite and encourage readers out there to post pictures of their watering cans in and around their gardens and leave a comment stating where the picture can be found. I will link to all that participate here at the bottom of this post.
Ode to the watering can:
- Laurie posted a nice video about her pumpkin planter and in it you can see her watering can used as decoration.
Credits to the above photos:
1. Its in the can, 2. The Can-Can – Ooh-La-la!, 3. watering cans, 4. Untitled, 5. watering cans, 6. Watering can, 7. Watering Can, 8. #8 – Watering cans – overcast, 9. Watering Can, 10. watering can and forget-me-nots, 11. watering can by boston ivy, 12. Dry the cans, 13. Flowers in Watering Can
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful display of watering cans. I like the antique ones with their different patinas.
Aren’t they beautiful PGL? I love the patinas they get as well. -Cindy
I have an old watering can in my front garden. The only pics I have of this are in my video about my pumpkin planter I made last year. So it isnt an actual pic, it is in a short video at the very beginning.
My watering can is old, dented and I think the bottom is bulging on it. I do like to keep it in the garden for decor though. I have had it for years and used to use it at one time, until I decided to use one with a sprinkler spout.
Here is where it can be found
http://gardening4beginners.blogspot.com/2007/09/pumpkin-planter.html
I love this idea for a planter and what perfect timing seeing that fall is just around the corner! Thank you for sharing it with us Laurie. And your watering can is perfect.
-Cindy
Today’s plastic watering cans don’t even come close in terms of charm & appearance!
/krys
So true! -Cindy
How wonderful! That collage would make a fantastic poster! Are these all yours? I love using older ones as planters.
Oh, I wish these were all mine! I would love to have a large collection of antique watering cans. However when I spot one in a flea market they tend to be out of my price range. Someday I will splurge on one though! -Cindy
Wonderful post and I love the watering can display you posted. I too wish I had them all. I have one or two and I’ll see about getting a good pic of them tomorrow. I may even go buy one at the farm supply store and do an arrangement. You’ve inspired me.
Thank you so much for the kind words Anna! To read that I have inspired you means a lot to me as I find your site to be very inspirational and full of great ideas for the garden. I look forward to any and all pictures you capture! -Cindy
Who could resist any one of these wonderful cans! At a local farmer’s market there is always at least one and sometimes two filled with zinnias and for sale. But with a too high price tag! I look and hope she’ll come down in the price but so far no! Maybe it’s time to get one.
Gail
clay and limestone
Hi Gail, thanks for “stopping by”!
A watering can full of zinnias sounds beautiful! I think the next time I spot an antique one for sale I might have to grab it and not let it go. -Cindy