Fancy watering with designer watering cans

Anything that gets heavy use--and stays on view--should be stylish as well as functional. That goes for watering cans too.

Keeping several watering cans located at strategic locations can save time and effort. I keep them in the kitchen, upstairs, on the front porch, on the back deck and in my potager.

Here are four of my favorite stylish watering cans.

1 - The William Morris "Cray" Print Watering Can - This famous chintz was designed in 1884 by William Morris, a leader of the Arts and Crafts movement. The pattern is from a wallpaper sample in the Victoria and Albert Museum collection. This watering can holds a hefty amount of water--five quarts. The rose unscrews from the aluminum can for pouring. Price: $48.00

2 - Dumbo Watering Can - This small 13" x 6" watering can packs a lot of style into a small utility piece. It's perfect for perching on a windowsill by the African violets. The design is by Platt & Young for Rosenthal. Price: $93.75

3 - OXO Good Grips Mini Pour and Store - Here's another small watering can for indoor use. This one holds a quart of water, but larger versions are available for bigger jobs. The spout rotates for easy filling and storage. The grip is part of the OXO Good Grips line that has taken the market of user-friendly tools by storm. Price $52.93

4 - Glass Watering Can - Inspired by provincial French designs, this glass and bamboo watering can seems like more a work of art than a utility piece. With its small size, it can sit next to your prized house plants and do service as well. Price: $27.00