The trend of repurposing household objects for decorative floral displays has introduced the charming watering can as a popular container. Using a watering can establishes a rustic, farmhouse aesthetic that feels connected to the garden. This style is favored for seasonal decor and outdoor settings like patios, where its unique silhouette adds garden-inspired artistry. The practical design of the can, with its handle and spout, offers unique opportunities for creating dynamic floral compositions.
Selecting the Ideal Container
Choosing the right watering can involves considering the material, size, and overall condition to suit the intended display location. Galvanized metal cans provide a distinctly rustic and weathered appearance, which pairs well with cottage-style or vintage decor. Plastic or brightly painted metal cans, in contrast, offer a wider range of colors and greater durability, making them suitable for prolonged outdoor use.
The size of the can dictates the scale of the final arrangement, ranging from small tabletop centerpieces to large statement pieces meant for an entryway or hearth. A weathered, vintage can with natural patina or minor surface rust enhances the old-world charm of the display. Conversely, a new, pristine can provides a cleaner, more contemporary backdrop. The can’s aesthetic quality should ultimately harmonize with the blooms and the setting.
Preparing the Can for Floral Display
Before inserting any plant material, the watering can must be prepared to ensure stability and longevity for the arrangement. If using fresh cut flowers, the first step is addressing water retention, since many decorative metal cans are not watertight. A simple solution is to insert a plastic liner, such as a sturdy plastic cup or a sealed plastic bag, into the can’s main opening to hold the water and floral foam.
Once the can is lined, the next preparation involves securing the medium that will anchor the stems and prevent shifting. Water-saturated floral foam is commonly used, cut to fit snugly inside the liner, or a small cage of chicken wire can be placed inside to create a supportive grid. For added stability, particularly with larger cans or those with long spouts that might cause tipping, placing heavy pebbles or stones at the base of the can’s interior provides necessary counterweight.
Designing the Arrangement for a Flowing Look
The distinctive feature of a watering can arrangement is the opportunity to create a “spilling” or “flowing” effect that mimics water pouring from the spout. This visual movement is achieved by strategically placing trailing plant materials near the can’s spout, directing the viewer’s eye downward and outward. Using flexible greenery like ivy, fern fronds, or creeping jenny allows for a natural cascade from the spout opening.
To enhance the illusion of flow, the main body of the arrangement should contain taller, more structural elements that contrast with the low, sweeping lines of the spout material. Flowers such as snapdragons, delphiniums, or gladiolus provide vertical height and act as the visual centerpiece. When selecting flowers for the spout, choose varieties that naturally drape or have long, slender stems, such as petunias or strands of wisteria, to reinforce the sense of a liquid stream of blooms. Placing flowers in a staggered line leading from the main body toward the spout helps guide the eye and completes the dynamic spilling effect.
Placement and Maintenance Tips
The best location for a watering can arrangement often capitalizes on its rustic charm, such as a sheltered front entryway, a garden bench, or an indoor mantelpiece. Avoid placing the display in direct sunlight or near sources of heat. This accelerates water evaporation and the wilting process in fresh flowers. High temperatures also promote bacterial growth in the water, which shortens the lifespan of the cut stems.
Maintenance is focused on preserving the freshness of the blooms and the condition of the can. If using fresh flowers, monitor the water level daily and replenish it to keep the floral foam fully saturated. If the can is metal and placed outdoors, ensure the interior liner is intact to prevent standing water from accelerating rust. Changing the water completely every two to three days and adding a commercial floral preservative helps inhibit bacteria that can clog the stems.