3.01.2010

Potting Pleasures

At Anthropologie, we are creating a veritable landscape of inspiration in our stores this spring, owing much of its allure to the incredible assortment of garden product we're receiving this season. As someone who specializes in Anthropologie housewares, I am continuously excited and dazzled by the gorgeous creations we receive as part of our shipments. Any of my fellow coworkers who have witnessed me in the stock room will tell you that it doesn't take long before I gasp giddily at the discovery of a new home product. This season, I'm particularly taken by the garden accessories: the flower pots and urns and plant stands. I've selected a few of my favourites below. Next time you're in, please have a look.
Although they are brand new, these crackle-glazed flower pots look as if they've been part of the landscape for ages. They look even better when they're overflowing with herbs, ivy or moss. From left to right: $8, $18, $10.

The 'Scallops & Speckles' glazed ceramic flower pot may look diminutive in this photo but its 19-inch diameter and 11-inch height make it perfect for a bit lot of pansies or fancy-leafed begonias on the patio. My inclination would be to use it indoors for a ficus or an azalea: $88
This is my all-time favourite plant-stand. A pair of stork legs rising up to a summit of feathers to hold a flower pot of your choice. I would love it indoors or outdoors. Made of iron with a rust-like aged patina: $78
Part of the same wild family, obviously, this pot stand with its alligator feet gives any vessel it holds a Tim-Burton like spirit of its own. Iron with rusted patina: $78
About to scurry away, the "Fossilized Pot" (13-inches in diameter) is the perfect fit: $48
I'm planning on buying both this pot and the pot below for use indoors. I love the spicy tones and the linear designs: Secret Parrot Pot $78
Subtle relief indicates the outlines of tropical birds amid the foliage: Secret Dragonfly Pot $78
Part of the same collection of aged herb pots, shown above, this blue one would add a pop of colour: Excavated Pot, Small $8.

7 comments:

Ailsa said...

OMG! I love those pot feet! Such whimsy and freakishness at the same time -- just my style ;c)

A practical sidenote Andrew: pots without drainage holes (don't know if the ones you show are or aren't) should be used as 'cachepots', or pots that hide the ugly plastic ones with drainage holes. Planting directly into pots without holes doesn't allow for the water to drain when you irrigate, leaving the soil soggy and encouraging root rot, which will eventually kill your plant.

I have many cachepots, some kept empty and used simply as decorative pieces.

Others I sometimes sink plastic tubs or glass jars into, fill with water, and use as vases (since most of these earthenware vessels aren't water-proof!)

But the ones I use as planters, I'm careful to remove the planted plastic pots and bring to the sink when I water. Otherwise the water can drain out into the cachepot and mar my wooden surfaces.

I am lusting after the last one you pictured! Gorgeous.

Lucky you. Do post some more garden accessories as you unwrap.

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

Ailsa, thanks for the great advice about the pots as vases. That's a great idea! Regarding planting in pots without drainage holes; you actually CAN plant directly into those pots, but it depends on the plant and on their drainage requirements. I've had great success planting ferns in pots without drainage holes because they love the moisture. Always, though, allow for some drainage and air circulation. If you don't have drainage holes, try using a layer of small stones on the bottom of the pot, then a layer of moss, then the soil, which is usually a mixture of peat and potting soil. This keeps it loose, leaving room for much-needed air and also some drainage, but not so much that the plant will lose all its water. Also you can adjust the watering level based on the drainage allowance. Now you can buy all kinds of pots!

Ailsa said...

You've got me going now Andrew! You have thrown down the old "layer of small stones on the bottom of the pot" gauntlet.

http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/pbs/2007-February/027412.html

You must have a deft hand at watering AND choose the right plants! My experience has been that most gardeners (both amateur and experienced) kill their plants through over-watering -- especially when they begin to wilt (through lack of oxygen, brought on by waterlogging) and it appears they're STILL thirsty.

But that being said, if in your experience it works, GREAT!

And ... when is Anthropologie coming to Ottawa??? :c)

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

I've only tried it with ferns and they love it! The key is to create 'internal drainage' at the bottom of the pot with a layer of non-soil for the water to collect and gradually absorb. It's the same when building a terrarium, which has no drainage hole.

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

Anthro in Ottawa (my hometown)! I've suggested it to Home Office, so we'll see!

Melody said...

Andrew, my 5 year old nephew saw the alligator feet plant stand and wanted to know why there were "chicken feet" on that page and where was the rest of the chicken? I almost laughed myself off the chair. Kids say the darnest things.

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

So adorable, Melody! :-)