Garden Wisdom

I’m dreaming of gardening again this week. . . My collection of galvanized watering cans are standing by for service, planted on a French seed tray ~

  Small peat pots at each place setting are filled with sweet-faced Violas & wrapped in pieces of burlap, tied with twine~

A decorative bird cage houses pots for planting~

 A layer of landscaping burlap functions a decorative cover for my garden table again this week~

My 1959 edition of The Wise Garden Encyclopedia is nearby:  A complete, practical, and convenient guide to every detail of gardening written for all U.S. climates, soils, seasons, and methods.

 

The jacket reads:

“This encyclopedic volume is not only lavishly illustrated in exquisite natural full colors, but is authoritatively written by E. L. D. Seymour, Editor for the renowned “Garden Encyclopedia,” assisted by a corps of famous flower experts. It is a book as practical as it is beautiful.”

 

“Parading in all their dazzling, natural glory are 800 different flowers, reproduced with such remarkable fidelity that your can almost inhale their fragrance. Every shade and nuance of the most flaming and most subtle colors of these flowers is captured for your delight and instruction.”

From the Foreward:

“The returns—or should we say rewards?—that one gets from a garden are of various kinds. There are the material products—flowers, vegetables, fruits—to be enjoyed through the several senses, or shared with others and thereby doubly enjoyed. There is the physical benefit and enjoyable recreation to be gained from garden work. There is the pride of ownership of something fine and beautiful, and the inspiration of working hand in hand with Nature in creating it.”

While the language is dated, the sentiment is still current~

“Always there is the well merited satisfaction of having accomplished something that enhances the home and benefits the community; of having taken a step and made contribution toward that noble goal, a more beautiful America.”

 

“Watering pots are useful in a small way for wetting soil in seed pans, flats, cold frames, hotbeds and seedling beds and for sprinkling foliage.”

 I love the method described in using these “watering pots”~

“These streams can be made to fall more lightly and in rain-like drops by holding the can higher to increase the distance between the apertures and the points where the water strikes.”

I’m looking forward to a gardener’s reward:

“To lounge in comfort beneath a tree, gazing on smooth green lawn and bed of flowers, is due reward for a gardener on a summer day.”

White Plates~ Oneida Westerly Basket

Jute Runner & Napkin Rings~ Pottery Barn

Napkins~ Home Goods

Flatware & Goblets~ Target

Woven Chargers~ World Market

Thank you for your visit, I’m joining:

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party~

  Jenny Matlock for Alphabe-Thursday~ this week’s letter is W~ for Wise Garden Encyclopedia & Watering Pots

•  Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday ~

• Suzanne, The Coloradolady for Vintage Thingie Thursday

• Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday