The pursuit of hose bibbs

Here in Bellingham, hose bibbs are a dividing line between renters and homeowners.

Six years ago, single for the first time in two decades, I rented a duplex, planted a container garden—and discovered the locked hose bibb on the side of the building. With the relentless hope of a person with ADHD, I bought a better watering can.

The watering can didn't fit under the tap in the kitchen, so I filled it from the bathtub. Full, it was heavy.

Somewhere I read that there are attachments that connect a hose to a kitchen faucet. I bought countless versions, trying to find one that fit my kitchen tap. Who knew there were so many variations in size? None worked, and my gardens died, year after year.

Here in my current apartment, I'm on an upper floor, and no one has outside water, not even locked access.

Year by year, my outside garden has gotten smaller and smaller.

This year, I'm not sure I'll even plant one.