One can never have too many watering cans. Sure, you can get by with one, but like scissors or reading glasses, variety and proximity equal efficiency.
Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient way to quench a garden, but it’s not always practical. Suspended fairy gardens and potted plants need watering the old-fashioned way. Watering cans are useful for filling a bird bath or for topping off a garden fountain. Occasionally they double as a water carafe for thirsty cats or squirrels.
I’ve always loved watering cans. I’m not sure why they hold such appeal. I used to visit the upscale Smith & Hawken stores to ogle their copper and brass cans. My practical streak, however, landed me back at the hardware store where the hard-working watering cans could be found on the cheap.
My favorite watering can was a gift from Nichole. It was so pretty that I kept it indoors in my office like a piece of art. She convinced me that watering cans belong in the garden so I put it to work. It’s faded from the sun, but otherwise in good working order.
I have a small copper watering can once used for my indoor plants. As that collection grew, it was far too small to remain practical. I love the shape and patina, though, so I keep it around.
Small Copper Watering Can
The remaining two cans are high-density plastic. They are easy to keep clean, light in weight and durable. I keep one near the fountain and the other up front near the hose.
The attachments are long gone, but this watering can lives on
If someone gave me a few hundred dollars with the caveat that I could only spend it on watering cans, these would be on my short list:
Achla Dainty Copper Watering Can
Esschert Design
Mouse Watering Can
Kitty Watering Can
What would you choose?
Gardening Nirvana 
Cooper! It reminds me of my aunt Vicki who loved copper, thanks for the nice memories of her, especially around thanksgiving. Hugs! Kristi
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Awww. I know you miss your aunt Vicki. I’m glad this prompted a happy memory. Happy T-Day to you and your family, Kristi.
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I know someone else with a watering can obsession, my friend Lori. She does all her flower gardening at the lake even though they have a house in the city too. She grows the biggest dahlia’s I’ve ever seen. I really like the mouse can for the long nose and big ears, but they’re all cute. I of course have a turquoise one in storage with all our other yard tools….I miss it.
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You’ll have so much fun rediscovering your treasures once you land in your new place. I see an aqua/blue/turquoise post in your future!
I’ve never grown dahlia’s but I’m tempting. They are gorgeous flowers. I just need to figure out where I would put them in our tiny garden.
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Dearest Alys, I have absolutely no doubt that your are tempting…hehe (sorry I couldn’t resist). I don’t know what time of year you would plant. Lori plants the tubers in the spring and by the end of July they are stunning.
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LOL! Now that is embarrassing.
Blushing…
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Wow, I too have a liking almost fetish 🙂 for watering cans. Currently I believe I have 4. My favorite is my little stainless steel with a very long and a very sleek spout and little rounded body. Recently I bought ( because I just had to have ) a newer model bright red plastic with a cool and different type sprout. The body and spout are of one, a more modern aproach to water cans ( my new favorite of my plastics ). The other two are just the larger traditional style cans. bit resembling ugly ducklings.
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Wow, I too have a liking almost fetish 🙂 for watering cans. Currently I believe I have 4. My favorite is my little stainless steel with a very long and a very sleek spout and little rounded body. Recently I bought ( because I just had to have ) a newer model bright red plastic with a cool and different type sprout. The body and spout are of one, a more modern aproach to watering cans ( my new favorite of my plastics ). The other two are just the larger traditional style cans. Ugly ducklings of a sort. Highly functional even at their old age, plastic lives on!
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You’ll have to take a picture of your cute little red number and share it on Google + I would love to see it. It’s funny the little things you have in common with people, that almost never come up in conversation. Watering cans rock!!!
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I think the mouse one is great, that would be my choice.
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