To: The Society for the Preservation and Propagation of Old-Time Gardening Lore, Wisdom and Superstition Re: Watering Can Survey
Madam President (aka Carol of May Dreams Gardens):
It seems clear to me (as well as to your esteemed self) that a census of watering cans is not a thing to be undertaken lightly or quickly. Which is why I have not submitted my numbers to The Society for the Preservation and Propagation of Old-Time Gardening Lore, Wisdom and Superstition (hereafter, the Society) until today.
Cans by country (from left): American design, French style, German and the unequaled U.K. Haws can.
I did not even know about the census until Sunday evening, November 16; though that, of course, implies no criticism of yourself. By the time I was made aware of this vital undertaking, it was cold and dark (well, actually it seems to be cold pretty much all the time now) and said survey would be difficult, if not actually dangerous, to conduct under said conditions.
Watering can round-up has occurred at this location, so I am assuming all cans — no matter their size or condition — have now been brought indoors for the winter. But I would need to check the garden to be sure that is a correct statement and wandering around my garden is not something one does in the dark no matter the season.
Rounding up my cans as the snow starts to fly.
In the new spirit of international friendship that has been in the air since our recent election, I will be including English, French and German watering cans in my survey along with my patriotic American cans. It should not really be necessary to mention it, but I will also point out that all of my watering cans, regardless of age or national origin, are working cans and have no serious holes or leaks. Though a close inspection may reveal rust and the slings and arrows of fortune.
The majority of these cans have been purchased in person at florists, garden shops, and antique stores — most in my home state, if not home town. Exceptions include the red Haws can (Smith & Hawken mail-order) and the green can from Portugal (via the now-defunct Gardener's Eden catalog). While these cans are attractive and make great Christmas decorations filled with evergreen branches, they do have a serious defect which must be pointed out to you and the Society at large. A high percentage of painted cans peel. I admit that I have learned my lesson and now only use galvanized cans.
The cans are herded through cold and snow to dry ground.
I must also note that a pair of Haws long-reach, professional outdoor watering cans with brass roses are the most beautiful objects ever created for a gardener to use. In fact, in my personal estimation, they leave hoes in the dust. The design, patented in 1886, makes the cans perfectly balanced for carrying and, if you carry a pair, then the gardener is perfectly balanced as well.
My matched set of two-gallon Haws cans were purchased in the Smith & Hawken shop in NYC on my 10th wedding anniversary. It was obvious to me at the time that my marriage would be going strong long after S&H ceased to carry this prime piece of garden equipment — which has proven to be the case.
Madam president, my final watering can total as of November 18, 2008 is tallied below:
One small galvanized house-plant can (usually forget I own it and use empty milk jugs).

A pair of two-gallon Haws long-reach galvanized cans, both with brass oval roses.
Green American-style can (peeling) with detachable spout extension and red Haws long-reach, one-gallon can with round brass rose.
Large French-style galvanized can: a Martha product from K-Mart. (A slightly smaller French can from a local florist shop is not individually pictured).
Oh, these Frenchies; this can wanted the picture taken over and over searching for the best side.
Finally, ready for the close-up!
Large and medium German galvanized cans (both antique shop finds) standing tall next to an equally attractive clump of bamboo (Fargesia rufa 'Green Panda').
Two American cans of unknown provenance (rather more homogenous than I anticipated when I began my survey).
And last, but most definitely, not least:

These hand-painted gardening gloves are the perfect thing to wear when you're carrying a watering can out in public.
My silver leather watering can handbag was purchased at
Bachman's in the Twin Cities during a Region V GWA tour. Note that it could hold water but I prefer it to hold all the essentials usually associated with a handbag. This will be the only watering can I'll be using until next Spring.
The total is an even dozen watering cans, counting my purse. I should also point out that the two large Haws cans and the large German can are used more than any other. They spend most of the summer out-of-doors at the ready.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda from Each Little World
My leather "watering can" consorts with the others.