Depending on the region the pioneer families lived in, watering a garden was seldom an option. For some reason, women, apparently on their own or with mother's advice, planted small circular herb gardens outside the kitchen door.
Obviously, gathering herbs for cooking is easier when so close to the kitchen, but another reason might have been the ease with tossing out used water into the herb garden to keep it alive.
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A circle of various sizes was divided into eight areas or pieces, like a fruit pie. Skinny narrow paths, just enough to step a foot into, separated each piece. She then planted catnip, thyme, marigolds, chamomile, dandelion, more thyme, more etc. -- whatever his or her favorite herbs happened to be.
I think it is interesting that dandelion was planted. I might have to experiment with dandelion next spring when they are young and tender. Maybe it will be delicious, nutritious, and free for the picking.