The Water Bell

  After our brief spell of normal summertime temperatures, the heat has returned with a vengeance.  My poor garden is taking a beating. Without the daily afternoon thunderstorms that give the cooling waters, the ground is scorching during the midday.  I know.  I made the mistake of rushing barefoot out to gather a handful of basil.  It was not fun on the feet so I know it is torment to the poor roots of the plants.  The tomatoes have all withered as have the green beans.  The okra is struggling to even keep leaves.  Only the herbs and peppers are standing strong.  Even inside the greenhouse (which has entire sides open), the plants have taken an direct hit.  My lovely begonia might be beyond hope.  

  While in the greenhouse watering the few tropical plants that I do have, I had to ponder over the method I was using.  While I could drag the hose from the vegetable garden, cross the fence, through the door to water the indoor plants, I have a much easier way.  Years ago, my cousin gave me the most adorable water bell.  This thing is incredibly handy!  I tote a bucket of water into the greenhouse, dip the bell beneath the water, poke my thumb over the hole in the top and then draw the bell out of the water.  The bell is held over the wilted plant while I lift my thumb.  Once the hole is uncovered, water showers down over the plant.  It works a lot like a watering can but I only have to carry one bucket of water.  The bell is so easy to fill and use.  I love this thing!

  Margie (the cousin who so generously gave me the water bell) always finds the neatest items.  Not only is the water bell easy to use, it is a gorgeous accent piece to have in the greenhouse.  It has weathered well and even with a bit of moss growing on the side, it is most attractive.  Yep, water bells are the way to go, folks!  Especially if you can find one as neat as this one.  Of course, you might have to find a cousin as neat as mine to get a bell as special as mine!