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The Charm of Antique Watering Cans
I love antique watering cans. Both functional and charming, they have been in use for hundreds of years to water plants and flowers. Before the watering can we know today, buckets and earthenware watering pots were used. These were cumbersome and often very heavy, especially after being filled with water! We have it pretty easy today with our 100 foot long garden hoses and adjustable spray nozzles. These people would likely call us gardening sissies!
Early French copper watering can. 
Another early French copper watering can with a distinctive blue patina. The humble watering can has undergone many changes. In the late 1600s, watering cans began to be constructed of copper. Then, during the mid-1800s, they were also produced in brass and zinc. Antique French watering cans of yore often resembled large pitchers, often with graceful and elegant handles. American watering cans tended to be larger and bulkier.
Photo courtesy of @lane.end.cottage 
Gardening became extremely popular during the Victorian era. Due to a craze for ornamental gardens and greenhouses, the need grew for better watering cans. In 1886 the Haws Company came to the rescue. This English business revolutionized the humble watering can by creating a longer spout and two handles: one on the top for carrying, and one on the back for tipping and pouring. The Haws watering can remains a classic today.
Photo courtesy of @countryfirsts 
Photo courtesy of @shabbytownusa11 Another addition to watering cans was the use of a detachable sprinkling “rose” on the tip of the spout. It enabled the control of water flow, creating a gentle trickling of water from a multitude of tiny holes, versus a heavy torrent. Its name is derived from the French word “arroseur”, meaning sprinkler.
Photo courtesy of @weatheredwaresandco Galvanized metal watering cans became plentiful in the early 1900s. These are the most common antique watering cans found today.
Photo courtesy of @tinyvintagefarmhouse While early antique watering cans often sell for hundreds of dollars, later models can often be found for a more reasonable price at yard sales, flea markets and online sites such as eBay and Etsy. These may have dings and dents, but that is what adds character!
Photo courtesy of @rachelsgarden_artbyamy Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can create charming vignettes using watering cans. Whether painted, filled with flowers, or hung on hooks, they can add warmth and a one-of-a-kind vibe.
Photo courtesy of @brocante_victoria Some folks like to collect different sizes or styles and group them together.
Photo courtesy of @vintage.216 You can change your watering can decor along with the seasons. Your imagination is the limit!
Photo courtesy of @weatheredwaresandco I hope you enjoyed this post and gained some watering can inspiration! For more information, see Antique Watering Cans, Antiques From The Garden, by Alistair Morris, and Garden Tools by Suaznne Slesin, Guillaume Pellerin, and Stafford Cliff. You may also enjoy some of my other gardening posts, including Have a Seat: Garden Bench Inspiration, Add Charm to your Garden with Beautiful Birdhouses!, and The Secret Gardens of Historic Monterey
Photo courtesy of @thevettelfarm 
Photo courtesy of @toile_de_jute Wishing you peace, love, happiness and beautiful vistas!
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Have a Seat: Garden Bench Inspiration
A lovely bench topped by a pergola at Lincoln Green Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Benches are the perfect accessory for any garden. They offer a place to relax, enjoy the flowers, dream, read, and watch the birds & butterflies. There is nothing better than having a comfy garden bench on which to rest after a hard day’s gardening. They can also add style, grace, and character to your outdoor space.
Photo courtesy of @selinalake Garden benches come in a wide variety of materials, the most common are wood, metal, concrete and stone.
Photo courtesy of @country.chique Natural wood is one of the most common materials used in garden benches. While it can be susceptible to weather damage and pests, it is easily protected with paint, oil or varnish. In colder climates, covering it over the winter will also help improve its lifespan. Regular cleaning of wood benches is also important to help preserve them. For more information see protecting wood benches.
For those who like the look of weathered wood, you can forgo maintenance and let nature take its course. Photo courtesy of @pixieperennials 
Photo courtesy of @thompsonsgardenemporium Metal benches are often made of steel, cast iron, or aluminum. Metal benches are often fantastically ornate. Many vintage and antique benches are metal. Metal benches require paint and protective sealants to prevent rusting. Like wood benches, they also require regular cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and grime that may deteriorate the finish. They also require covering or storing indoors in colder climates during the winter season. For more information on protecting metal benches, see protecting metal benches
Photo courtesy of @homecompanion Stone and concrete benches add a natural touch and have exceptional longevity. A big plus is they require virtually no maintenance.
Stone swan bench available at tuscanbasins.com Garden benches can add a focal point to your garden. They also provide a place to spend time with friends and family and enjoy an intimate conversation within the garden.
Photo courtesy of @privatenewport 
Photo courtesy of @ourlittleflintcottage You can add personality to your garden by adding a splash of color. A kaleidoscope of garden benches are available for sale online as well as in brick & mortar stores, or you can paint your own!
Bold red bird bench available on Etsy.com 
Traditional Lutyens bench painted a happy shade of green. Photo courtesy of @asnipofgoodness Creative folks can repurpose items and invent their own unique garden benches.
Garden bench repurposed from a vintage bed. Photo courtesy of @home_decoranddesign 
Garden bench constructed from old farm wheels and tractor seats. Photo courtesy of @rusticremakes You may want your garden bench prominently displayed, or tucked secretively away where you can hide from the cares of the world with a cup of tea (or glass of wine) and your favorite book.
Photo courtesy of @gardens_and_architecture I love roofed benches, which provide a refuge from both raindrops and hot sun in the garden.
Photo courtesy of @sammensuriumet 
Just remember that in any garden, flowers gone wild can gobble up anything, even your garden bench! Make sure to trim those errant ramblers or you may lose your favorite seat!
Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you found some garden bench inspiration! If you enjoyed this post, you may also like my other gardening posts including The Secret Gardens of Historic Monterey, The Garden Gate Story: Inspiration from Carmel-by-the-Sea, Magical & Enchanting Gardens of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Charming & Romantic Window Boxes, and Add Charm to your Garden with Beautiful Birdhouses!
Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Add Charm to your Garden with Beautiful Birdhouses!
Your garden may feature the usual things: beautiful flowers and shrubs, arbors, pergolas, gates, chairs and tables, but have you thought about adding a birdhouse or two? Birdhouses not only add charm to your outdoor living space but housing birds creates endless benefits and can be immensely rewarding. Birds are wonderful companions to a garden, providing song and beauty as well as eating troublesome insects. Bird watching from your home or garden is also a relaxing and fun activity. It is a wonderful sight to behold birds building their nests and raising their babies.
Photo courtesy of homeiswheretheboatis.net 
An early 1900s advertisement depicts a quaint birdhouse. Birdhouses have been around for hundreds of years. They come in all shapes and sizes, from purple martin mansions to tiny wren cottages. As birdhouses became increasingly popular, companies evolved solely for the business of building specialty bird abodes.
Photo courtesy of gardeninggonewild.com Today, there are a wide variety of wonderful birdhouses available. If you are handy with tools and equipment you can make them yourself. If not, it is very easy and convenient to purchase unfinished wooden birdhouses and paint them in the colors of your choice. Birdhouses offer a great opportunity to be creative and use your imagination. If you don’t have the time or inclination to pursue this endeavor, there are many beautiful birdhouses available for sale, many hand-made by talented artisans. The following are some of my favorites.
Victorian style birdhouse from wayfair.com If fancy isn’t your style, you can always repurpose. Thank outside the box, or perhaps the thermos!
Thermos birdhouse from Etsy.com Rustic birdhouses add farmhouse flair to any garden.
Birds can have their own barn and never have to share with cows or horses, from Etsy.com 
A rusty license plate roof adds shabby chic to this sweet cottage birdhouse from Etsy.com Sometimes it’s nice to incorporate natural elements into your birdhouse.
Twigs & moss make for one cozy birdhouse. Photo courtesy of mybrightideasblog.com 
Butterflies & hydrangeas decorate this gourd birdhouse from Etsy.com I find myself drawn to the dreamy, hand-painted ones by artist Debbi Coules. Delicate pink roses on a soft white background make these birdhouses perfect for a cottage garden.
This chapel of love is perfect for a pair of lovebirds, from debicoules.com 
Cute & fun watering can birdhouse from wayfair.com If your heart beats for the red, white and blue, you may be enticed by a patriotic birdhouse.
Star-spangled birdhouse from target.com No matter your style, if you can’t find it, you can create it.
Unfinished craft store wooden birdhouses I repainted/stained. Birdhouses also make wonderful gifts. I was delighted to open a present from my Mom on my birthday and discover this cutie.
I hope you found some birdhouse inspiration on my blog. Thank you for visiting! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Charming & Romantic Window Boxes
There are always flowers for those who want to see them~Henri Matisse. Nothing says happy like a cascade of colorful flowers spilling from a window box! While walking around one of my favorite places, Carmel-by-the-Sea, I noticed that many of the homes have window boxes. They add so much loveliness to already charming homes. I find so much gardening inspiration just by observing the beautiful gardens others have created, and the imaginative touches they have used.
Window boxes come in all sizes and may be made of wood, copper, wrought iron, etc. They create a “living wall” and can beautifully accentuate your home. It is easy to see how much beauty a window box adds to a home–just imagine this dwelling without it?
For those with small yards or none at all, window boxes and planters offer a great option to add romance and charm with flowers.
Sun and shade requirements will determine what flowers to plant in your window box. Popular flowers for window boxes include geraniums, begonias, verbena, pansies, petunias, trailing fuchsias, salvia, impatiens, ivy, vinca vine, sweet potato vine, and lobelia.
Often, incorporating colors from the rest of the yard or garden, including trees & shrubs, can help tie everything together.
Multiple window boxes look best when the same types of flowers groups are repeated in each. Simple arrangements have a more organized and cohesive vibe.
Window boxes filled with beautiful flowers brighten your home and are easy to care for. Just make sure they have proper drainage and water them according to their needs. It’s also a good idea to provide fertilizer regularly to help boost blooms.
Your imagination is the limit. Never be afraid to experiment; you may make a mistake now and then in gardening, but you will learn from your experiences.
For more information on gardens in Carmel-by-the-Sea, see my Magical & Enchanting Gardens of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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Quarantine in Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea
Even though the quarantine has disrupted many travel plans, I feel so blessed to live in this area. I hope that everyone has a chance someday to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, located in central coastal California, and witness first hand this captivating and charming town. I have previously written other blog posts about Carmel-by-the-Sea, including Gardens of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Garden Gate Inspiration from Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Even though shops and art galleries are still closed, many of the amazing restaurants here are open with take out and social distanced al fresco dining. And fortunately, the pandemic can’t hamper one of the most fun things to do here, just walk around. You will feel like you are in a fairy tale, because this little seaside town just happens to be home to some of the loveliest cottages and gardens in the area.
It all started in the early 1900s, when Hugh Comstock built the town’s first fairy tale cottage for his wife, Mayotta. The homes he built featured steep roofs, arched windows and doors, and rustic stone chimneys. His cottages have been duplicated over the years, and have inspired generations of delightful homes, so that walking through many of the side streets you may imagine you are no longer in America, but rather, in a charming English village.
The gardens in Carmel-by-the-Sea are simply the icing on the cake. From fetching window boxes, to picket fences, to lovely archways and stone walls, there is an eye-catching assortment of detail. Colorful flowers paint the landscape around these storybook homes with a beautiful palette of colors and textures.
Quarantine or not, it is clear that many people here are passionate about gardening and put a great deal of time and love into their gardens. I would like to personally thank them for all the inspiration and cheerfulness they provide to us passers-by!
A quirky thing about Carmel-by-the-Sea is that all the homes have names instead of house numbers. Most of the home names are pretty or cute, but I like the name I saw on one the best of all: “Nobody’s Perfect”!
This home is called “Irish Rose”. The latest addition to Carmel-by-the-Sea, on 6th Avenue & Mission, this Instagrammable wall mural was being completed while my friend Amy @seasaltandcypress and I were dining al fresco at nearby Grasings. Opinion has been mixed, folks either love it or hate it. I love it!
Someday, I hope the word quarantine will be obsolete. I hope that we all have discovered what is most important in life. I hope that we have learned to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. I hope we never again take anything for granted and have learned to be grateful for all good things. If you do someday visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, dear friend, here is my parting advice. The best way to end the day is to take a leisurely stroll down to the beach and enjoy the soothing lull of the ocean waves and the color-drenched sunset. Because in Carmel-by-the-Sea, fairy tales really do come true.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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The Secret Gardens of Historic Monterey
Often hidden behind a wall or a gate, secret gardens denote mystery, privacy, and solitude. Secret gardens offer solace; a place to sit or walk and contemplate. They give you permission to be inspired, to dream, and to be at peace.
My own garden has its secrets: I love to share them with friends who come to enjoy the peaceful solitude of my farm. The roses that defy being eaten by deer, puzzling my neighbors. The “April in Paris” sweet peas that have self-sown and freely proliferate. The mesmerizing scent of the white, star-flowered jasmine that grows just outside my bedroom, perfuming the night air.
Monterey has some of the most fascinating and delightful secret gardens ever. What makes these gardens so special is that they are located on the grounds of some of the most historic properties in Monterey. The secret gardens here are all completely unique, enticing you with beautiful colors and heavenly scents.
1. The Larkin Garden is located at 510 Calle Principal at the intersection with Jefferson. Thomas Larkin built the two-story mud adobe brick home during Mexican rule of California. An American merchant, he became the only United States Consul to Alta California under Mexican rule.
A wishing well covered with climbing roses draws your eye at the Larkin secret garden. 
2. The Memory Garden, located at 20 Custom House Plaza in Monterey, was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. in 1927. It has an 8-foot high adobe wall and three gates. Inside the garden is a 15-foot diameter fountain surrounded by lovely magnolia trees.
The Memory Garden lies behind the Monterey State Historic Park office and Pacific House Museum. 
3. The Casa del Oro Garden is at the corner of Pacific and Scott Streets just across from the First Theatre. This is the only garden not enclosed by a wall.
4. The Stevenson Garden is named for the boarding house where Robert Louis Stevenson stayed in 1879 while courting his future wife, Fanny Osbourne. He stayed on the second floor of the French Hotel at 530 Houston Street and worked on essays as well as ideas for future works, including Treasure Island.
In front, a white picket fence frames a bevy of blooms. Behind the old French Hotel is the secret garden, featuring meandering pathways surrounded by high fencing and featuring an ancient gate at the rear.
5. The Casa Soberanes Garden, located at the corner of Pacific and Del Monte, features abalone shells and wine bottles as edgings for the flowerbeds in its secret garden.
6. The First Theatre Garden is located at the corner of Pacific and Scott Streets. Whale bones frame the entrance of the theatre building, vestiges of Monterey’s whaling history.
California’s first theater was built in 1847 by Jack Swan for use as a lodging house and tavern for sailors. It became a theatre in 1850. 
7. Hidden behind a very old wall at the corner of Polk and Munras is the Cooper Molera Adobe secret garden and orchard, Built in 1827, the property is a National Trust Historic Site. What fun to meander among the rustic elegance of the only historic redwood barns within the city limits of Monterey and enjoy the charming and beautiful plants and flowers here.
The paths here are wide and easy to navigate throughout the beautiful flowerbeds and the orchard. 
Hours: The Larkin, Memory, Casa del Oro, Stevenson, Casa Soberanes, and First Theatre gardens are open daily from 9 am-4 pm. For more information, see California State Parks. Hours for the Cooper Molera garden are Tuesday through Saturday: 11 am – 4 pm, and Sunday 11 am– 2:30 pm.
I hope you enjoyed this post and are able to visit the secret gardens of Monterey. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Plant Lover’s Paradise in Santa Cruz, California
If you are as obsessed with plants as I am, you have to visit Santa Cruz. Two of my favorite shops are in this beautiful beachside town. The first is DIG Gardens. Located at 420 Water Street, Santa Cruz, California, it is well worth the trip.
They feature a plethora of plants, textiles, books, candles, pottery, furniture, and interior decorating inspiration. They have one of the largest selections of succulents, cacti, and air plants I have ever seen!
I could spend hours perusing this place, and my pictures are only the tip of the iceberg! They have a huge outdoor area chockful of plant wonders as well! My favorite is the gigantic succulent display. This has become so crazy popular, people are getting married in front of it. For reals!
I’m sure all my plant loving friends are drooling at this point. But wait, there’s more! Botanic And Luxe, located at 701A Front Street in Santa Cruz, California is another sweet spot for your plant fix. It is located just around the corner from the beautiful downtown Santa Cruz area, close to other great shops and restaurants. They also carry gifts and home goods, as well as great decorating inspiration.
Their store is carefully curated and you can feel the loving care they put into creating a welcoming and attractive atmosphere. I love the friendliness of the staff and the way they provide education regarding plant care in a simple, no-nonsense way.
Their air plant selection is amazing. They even have jellyfish air plants! I was also informed that they only purchase their plants through ethical sources, to help protect and maintain our earth’s valuable ecosystems.
In conclusion, dear friends, if you are looking for a botanical pick-me-up, you know where to go. If like me, you have a thing with plants, you will not be disappointed! For more information, see Botanic & Luxe and DIG Gardens
Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love & happiness!
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The Garden Gate Story: Inspiration from Carmel-by-the-Sea
Every garden has a story to tell. The beginning of that story is your garden gate entrance. Your garden reflects who you are and what is important to you. Let these gorgeous garden gates in Carmel-by-the-Sea provide inspiration for your own unique and special garden.
Gardens evolve and grow, and with them, your story grows. What glimpse of your life do you want friends and family to have? Your gate sets the tone for the beginning of the story. Your gate lets everyone know the intention of your story. Is your gate inviting? Does it have bright colors or entice with warmth? Is it more private, implying mystery and intrigue? Whatever it is, your story begins with your gate. It should suggest what we may expect to see once we enter your garden.
Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are–Alfred Austin
This rustic hinged wooden gate set into stone is typical of the fairy tale style homes peppered throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint and the soil and sky as canvas–Elizabeth Murray
The use of a small heart cut-out in this garden gate, hollyhocks & roses, give this cottage garden depth & charm.
Always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can–Alice Hoffman, “Practical Magic”
Out of the window, I can see them in the moonlight, two silhouettes saying goodnight by the garden gate–Ray Davies, “Come Dancing”
Framed by a sculpted hedge, this arched gateway leads to a secluded garden.
A garden must combine the poetic and the mysterious with a feeling of serenity and joy–Luis Barragan
This open garden gate framed by geraniums conveys a sense of warmth and welcome, inviting guests to enter.
Charming and colorful green and red decor and a hanging bell set this garden gate apart. Note the unique bicycle decor also.
This garden gate is very symbolic of the fairy tale cottage look in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A simple and classic white garden gate is dressed up with ivy trained to form an x design.
This garden gate is the cat’s meow! Literally.
A beautiful and delicate filigree gate balances the ponderous stone arch. A topping of stacked stone “shingles” adds quaint character.
The boxwood hedges flanking the stone path and the rose covered arch provide elegance and romance to this garden gate.
Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom–Marcel Proust
Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace–May Sarton
Your promises, your pleasures, your penchants, are all portrayed in your garden. A garden gate that expresses your sentiments and passions provides a warm and inviting welcome to your garden. I hope that you enjoyed and were inspired by these lovely garden gates from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!