Jean-Paul and The Watering Can
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Posted by Robert Dailey May 18, 2009 |
Two and a half year old grandson, Jean-Paul, helped out in the garden yesterday and today. Arriving Friday with his parents, he headed straight through the house to the backyard and grabbed my garden rake. He’s big for his age, but a full-sized garden rake proved to be a bit of a task.
As I held the end of the rake, taking most of the weight, he raked the pathways. I nearly got conked on the noggin a few times and he got carried away. Now, mulch sits in little piles (outside the beds), a few unfortunate plants received death blows and my Australian violets no longer billow over their rock wall. Around 9 p.m. I coaxed him in.
Next morning he was up bright and early, before I had my coffee. “Outside,” he said. I’m sure it was a request but it certainly sounded like a command. A half hour later, we were watering the new roses I had put in, as well as the rest of my garden. He held the hose and I directed where the water should go.
Once the roses were watered, we set out some hyacinth bean vines I had started in peat pots a week ago and moved some Irish bells to a more open spot.
Then we watered the crinums and cannas, the mint and monarda. The tomatoes received a sizeable share, as did the peppers and citrus.
Today, we were out in the yard watering again. Not that anything actually needed watering. But he thought they did. I had a small watering can and let him use it. “More water, Poppy” became my rallying cry as he poured water on plants, bare dirt, pathways, benches, outdoor furniture, himself, me and just about any surface.
The plants can stand a little too much water one time. I have a budding gardener on my hands and I don’t want to discourage him.