Origins and definition of the watering can
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Since the dawn of time, man has been searching for the best way to hydrate his plants to allow them to grow optimally.
A universal tool, the WATERING CAN has appeared all over the planet in many forms.
1. The origin of the watering can
A) What is a Watering Can? (Definitions)
- Definition from the French Academy : " Portable container intended for watering, fitted with a handle and a spout generally ending in a removable apple pierced with holes ."
- Old definition from the Universal Dictionary of Furetière , published in 1690: "Vessel used by gardeners to water trees and flowers. It is made of copper , and has a branch pierced with several small holes , through which the water flows and is distributed in several small streams."
Be careful, on the internet, it is sometimes found misspelled: some common spelling errors according to Google: Arrosoire, Arosoir ...
B) History and appearance
We easily recognize the current watering can in the previous definitions, however it has not always been like this .
One of the earliest known watering cans was made of a goatskin . It was basic and used exclusively to move water to the plant .
Then came the Chantepleure . It did not yet take the form of our current watering cans, but it was similar, as it allowed water to be poured like rain . Made of terracotta , it resembled a watering can with its own water reservoir. There was no question of a handle, a spout or copper, but simply a portable container with holes .
These weeping chants are manufactured and sold by Bacsac.
What does watering can mean?
The appearance of the word Arrosoir in France dates back to 1365 according to the websiteObjet d'hier . First called Arousour , it was only renamed Arrosoir from the middle of the 18th century . This term naturally derives from the verb arroser (watering can).
2. The different shapes of watering cans around the world
There are almost as many types of watering cans as there are gardeners. An infinite number. The materials chosen can influence its sturdiness and weight. The shape and dimensions will depend on the uses and needs.
Today, manufacturers sometimes use geographical origins to distinguish models from each other.
A) The Japanese Watering Can
Highly prized by collectors, the Japanese watering can is distinguished by its very long spout and shiny copper . These characteristics make it a very precise , resistant and timeless gardening tool.
Photos from the Esprit Japon website.
This type of watering can, however, suffers from a nasty defect: oxidation and dirt . Their unrivaled appearance is therefore subject to careful maintenance.
Japanese plastic watering cans then appeared to overcome this problem. These are also sold at much more affordable prices . The long spout is ideal for reaching plants in the center of a flowerbed.
B) The Lyonnais Watering Can
The Arrosoir Lyonnais stands out with its resolutely vintage style. This gardening tool reminds us of the milk jugs found on farms in the past.
This type of watering can is now often made of plastic . Its use is reserved for garden plants .
C) The Parisian Watering Can
The association between Paris and a garden tool may seem rather comical given the type of housing in the capital. However, the Parisian Watering Can is the most well-known and widely used watering can today.
Just like its Lyonnais competitor, this watering article is reserved for outdoor plants .
3. Which watering can should I choose depending on my use?
A) The Watering Can for the Garden
For outdoor use, gardeners need a generous and durable tool.
Garden watering cans are rustic tools that get straight to the point.
Their characteristics are generally these:
- A graduated water tank from 2 to 10 liters.
- A large rounded handle.
- A long spout with a removable watering can.
- A durable blue or green plastic or zinc
When choosing your outdoor watering can, you will need to consider the size of your garden and your capacity to carry a load . If you have a garden shed to store your tools, you can store the unattractive plastic watering can there. If you don't have one and you are sensitive to the decorative aspect, opt for a vintage zinc watering can that will blend into the environment.
B) The watering can for my indoor plants
What better way to accompany your indoor plants than with an elegant watering can?
No matter your decor, there are a multitude of them. Some will choose a watering can with a long spout , offering more precision. Others will choose a "pocket" watering can that will accompany them on their desk!
What we are sure of is that you will find the perfect fit among our Watering Can Collection .
C) The Autonomous Watering Can
There are a wide variety of self-contained watering cans, but we have a particular fondness for the plantable Ollas .
These are small terracotta water reservoirs that gradually infuse the soil . This watering method has the virtue of being ecological insofar as it does not generate any water loss . It is in fact your plant that will draw the water contained by your Ollas itself. The risk of drowning its root system disappears.
Bonus: Discover our store
If you are passionate about plants and are looking for a chic & original watering can, you might be happy by visiting our homepage...
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