Browse ›
An older man in a cap and fishing vest waters flowers with a metal can while a fluffy silver tabby sniffs a plant beside him. 11 / 35

Grandpa Hank Watered the Petunias Every Morning. Pewter Had Taken Over Inspections.

AI imagesilver tabbygardeningflower bed

The petunias are getting their morning drink, and Pewter is inspecting the results personally. Grandpa Hank kneels by the flower bed in a navy cap, plaid shirt, and his trusty fishing vest, tipping a galvanized watering can so a gentle shower falls over pink petunias and orange marigolds. His eyes twinkle as he watches his silver tabby lean in to sniff a leafy green seedling, whiskers fanned forward, fluffy coat catching the light. The garden path behind them is lined with clay pots, a pair of work gloves and slippers on the step, and rakes leaning against the house.

Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies for retirees, and it offers plenty of everyday benefits: gentle movement, fresh air, time in the sun, and the satisfaction of watching something grow. Doing it with a pet nearby adds companionship to the routine. To keep it comfortable, use kneeling pads or a garden stool to ease pressure on knees, choose lightweight tools with padded handles, and take breaks in the shade on warm days. A hat and water bottle are worth keeping nearby. For a cat who likes to help, consider planting a small patch of cat grass or catnip in a pot of its own. That gives your cat something safe to nibble and sniff, and it may keep them a little more interested in their own plants than in yours.

Pewter will probably sniff every flower in the bed before the watering is done. Hank does not seem to mind. Gardening is always better with a supervisor.

More from this collection

All 35 →
An older man in a cap and fishing vest raises his hand in a backyard while a silver tabby cat leaps up on its hind legs.Grandpa Hank Thought Fetch Was Just for Dogs. Pewter Disagreed in Midair.An older man with a white mustache sits in a lawn chair at sunset with a silver tabby cat on his lap in a backyard.Grandpa Hank Set Out Two Lawn Chairs for the Sunset. Only One Got Used.
An older man with a white mustache sleeps in a rope hammock with a silver tabby cat asleep on his chest.Grandpa Hank Climbed Into the Hammock for Five Minutes. Pewter Had Other Plans.An older man in a fishing vest whittles wood with a knife on a porch table while a silver tabby cat watches the shavings.Grandpa Hank Started Whittling on the Porch, and the Shavings Got an AudienceA smiling older man with a white mustache and fishing vest holds a silver tabby cat close on a front porch.Grandpa Hank Finally Figured Out Selfies. Pewter Stole the Show Immediately.An older man in a fishing vest reaches for an apple on a tree while a silver tabby cat sniffs fallen apples on the ground.Grandpa Hank Reached for the Best Apple on the Tree. Pewter Went for the Ground.