To: The Society for the Preservation and Propagation of Old-Time Gardening Lore, Wisdom and Superstition Re: Watering Can Survey
Madam President (aka Carol of May Dreams Gardens):
It seems clear to me (as well as to your esteemed self) that a census of watering cans is not a thing to be undertaken lightly or quickly. Which is why I have not submitted my numbers to The Society for the Preservation and Propagation of Old-Time Gardening Lore, Wisdom and Superstition (hereafter, the Society) until today.
Cans by country (from left): American design, French style, German and the unequaled U.K. Haws can.
I did not even know about the census until Sunday evening, November 16; though that, of course, implies no criticism of yourself. By the time I was made aware of this vital undertaking, it was cold and dark (well, actually it seems to be cold pretty much all the time now) and said survey would be difficult, if not actually dangerous, to conduct under said conditions.
Watering can round-up has occurred at this location, so I am assuming all cans — no matter their size or condition — have now been brought indoors for the winter. But I would need to check the garden to be sure that is a correct statement and wandering around my garden is not something one does in the dark no matter the season.
Rounding up my cans as the snow starts to fly.
In the new spirit of international friendship that has been in the air since our recent election, I will be including English, French and German watering cans in my survey along with my patriotic American cans. It should not really be necessary to mention it, but I will also point out that all of my watering cans, regardless of age or national origin, are working cans and have no serious holes or leaks. Though a close inspection may reveal rust and the slings and arrows of fortune.
The majority of these cans have been purchased in person at florists, garden shops, and antique stores — most in my home state, if not home town. Exceptions include the red Haws can (Smith & Hawken mail-order) and the green can from Portugal (via the now-defunct Gardener's Eden catalog). While these cans are attractive and make great Christmas decorations filled with evergreen branches, they do have a serious defect which must be pointed out to you and the Society at large. A high percentage of painted cans peel. I admit that I have learned my lesson and now only use galvanized cans.
The cans are herded through cold and snow to dry ground.
I must also note that a pair of Haws long-reach, professional outdoor watering cans with brass roses are the most beautiful objects ever created for a gardener to use. In fact, in my personal estimation, they leave hoes in the dust. The design, patented in 1886, makes the cans perfectly balanced for carrying and, if you carry a pair, then the gardener is perfectly balanced as well.
My matched set of two-gallon Haws cans were purchased in the Smith & Hawken shop in NYC on my 10th wedding anniversary. It was obvious to me at the time that my marriage would be going strong long after S&H ceased to carry this prime piece of garden equipment — which has proven to be the case.
Madam president, my final watering can total as of November 18, 2008 is tallied below:
One small galvanized house-plant can (usually forget I own it and use empty milk jugs).
A pair of two-gallon Haws long-reach galvanized cans, both with brass oval roses.
Green American-style can (peeling) with detachable spout extension and red Haws long-reach, one-gallon can with round brass rose.
Large French-style galvanized can: a Martha product from K-Mart. (A slightly smaller French can from a local florist shop is not individually pictured).
Oh, these Frenchies; this can wanted the picture taken over and over searching for the best side.
Finally, ready for the close-up!
Large and medium German galvanized cans (both antique shop finds) standing tall next to an equally attractive clump of bamboo (Fargesia rufa 'Green Panda').
Two American cans of unknown provenance (rather more homogenous than I anticipated when I began my survey).
And last, but most definitely, not least:
I am in awe of your watering can collection, and have serious watering can envy for those Haws watering cans. Oh, my gardening life will not be complete without a least one Haws watering can, if not two! How could I have gone for so long without one! My own paltry watering cans seem inadequate now. An even dozen... should you get more, your collection would be unbalanced, so better send them my way!
Posted by: Carol, May Dreams Gardens | Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Oh my gosh I love the purse! And I love the shot of the cans being herded...they seem very well behaved.
Posted by: Leslie Kuss | Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Carol — thanks so much for stopping by. I really had fun with this idea and you deserve the credit. On a serious note, I have to say those big Haws cans are worth every penny. They are beautifully balanced and the narrow neck keeps water from spilling out as you carry them.
Posted by: EACH LITTLE WORLD | Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Leslie — just stopped by your blog and I must say I am very jealous of those temps. It was about 22 degrees when we were shooting the photos yesterday.
And I love that purse, too. I almost got a hot pink one and my husband saw the silver one and pointed it out to me. I think that's what makes it so much fun — it looks like a galvanized can! Thanks for stopping and commenting.
Posted by: EACH LITTLE WORLD | Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Ooh! Carol really started something here! While I love my cans, some of which are quite ratty, I am loving yours, including the purse. I may have to go back on the hunt!
Posted by: Sue | Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I love your poses, too, by the way!
Posted by: Sue | Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Sue — I am guessing that it is easier for Carol to store her hoes than for us to find space for more watering cans. I haven't bought any for quite a while because I don't have room for them indoors in the garage in the winter. But they are so interesting ...
We really got in the mood and had fun doing the pictures.
Posted by: EACH LITTLE WORLD | Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 10:32 PM
OMG, ROTFL! That is brilliant! I love watering cans. Someday I hope to get a Haws can. I can see how easy it would be to start collecting them.
Posted by: Mr. McGregor's Daughter | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Glad you got a chuckle out of my post. I would love to have more Haws cans but they are too expensive for me these days. I justified the cost at the time as an "anniversary present."
Posted by: EACH LITTLE WORLD | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Great photos to go along with the post. I love it when a blogger gets into the silliness. Your name sounds familiar. Are you in GWA?
Posted by: Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Might I be admonished for bringing to your attention the neglectful mentioning of plastic watering cans? Or, as I suppose, is the mere mention of plastics taboo? (What with all the "greenheads" now.)
Posted by: TC | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Kathy — Yeah, I really got into it! And yes, I am a member of GWA but I contacted you a couple of years ago when I was just starting to notice garden bloggers and was trying to figure it all out. You were very gracious answering all my email inquiries. Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: EACH LITTLE WORLD | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 03:04 PM
TC — you may mention plastic. I have a ton of plastic buckets and plastic (well, rubber) rakes etc. But I like the aesthetics of galvanized cans. I even have a big galvanized party tray!
When I visit my sister in PA, I usually drive through Cleveland. I can see from your botanic garden pix that next time I have to schedule a stop. Loved your corn and black gum pix. It's windy and cold here and feeling more like January than November.
Posted by: EACH LITTLE WORLD | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 03:09 PM