We've got Spring fever, and one of our symptoms is a desire to plant, plant, plant! A look around for appropriate planters led us to our not-so-secret source Etsy, where we were delighted to discover a fantastic array of planters in everything from powder-coated steel to ceramic. Hanging or sitting, large or small, Etsy has got your planter needs covered. Read on to see some of our favorite finds!
Even hard-to-kill succulents need the occasional watering, which is why we were tickled to discover the ultimate maintenance-free option: Port-a-Plant from Chronicle Books!
These paper plants not only look cute but are also fun to assemble — just punch out the paper shapes, slot them together, and you're done!
They may not be for everyone, but their quirky style sure trumps the other faux plant alternative (think about the plastic versions you've seen). Plus, the super slim packaging includes all three options and is a cinch to mail. So treat yourself or your best green-thumb-challenged buddy to a lively windowsill or cubicle for Spring! We won't judge.
Spring is popping up all over, but what to do if your thumb is black instead of green? Watch as I tell you about three of my favorite, and very forgiving, houseplants. You will be on your way to a not-so-secret indoor garden in no time.
Fall's coming and although we've tackled poisonous Summer wildflowers, that season's (sadly) almost done. Let's get into the Fall spirit by looking at more flowers — each of these either begin blooming in autumn or continue through September (or later!) in some climates, so check out the pretty plants and see how well you do!
Source: Shutterstock
We're happy to present a post from one of our favorite sites, Stylelist Home!
Like a great tailored jacket over a casual ensemble, the right planters can instantly "pull together" any outdoor garden space. (Even if it's the size of a postage stamp.) However, getting the right one can be tricky. Planters like metal ones hold water better than porous containers made out of wood, while lightweight plastic pieces are not the sturdiest choice for larger plants. So, we've rounded up the basics you should know about planters.
Keep in mind that the style and size of your planter depends on your garden and the type of plant you're looking to use it for. But, if you're looking for one to amp up the look in your garden, here are some very general things remember when shopping for planters.
A good size. Generally, a good size planter is one that can hold a healthy amount of soil for the plant and also allow room for roots to grow. And, you should see more of the flowering plant than the planter. So, generally a good-sized container is one where the plant is about two times more visible than the actual pot itself.
Consider the materials. Planters made from wood and metal are affordable and easy to move around. Wood is porous so it provides better drainage (since it soaks up water) and it's also more resistant to the elements than metal, which may rust over time. Also, wood planters are generally not used for planting inside directly. Instead, they're great for concealing plastic pots. Because wood planters are so porous, they can get mildewed if not carefully cleaned. But if you have a plant that requires a lot of water, go with metal or plastic, which will keep the water from evaporating. However, metal (as well as dark color planters) absorb more heat, so you'll have to keep a close eye on the plants to make sure the soil doesn't dry out completely. If you're looking to really amp up the look in your garden, go with ceramic or terra-cotta planters, which come in an array of colors. However, these are usually more expensive and are most breakable out of all the materials. On the contrary, lightweight plastic planters are the most cost-effective, but they're also the least sturdy, meaning they're not best-suited for heavier plants nor hold up in harsh weather.
Keep reading for more tips on selecting the best planter for your garden!
When I first discovered these Flora Grubb-designed succulent ornaments, I couldn't believe how simple and brilliant they were. My favorite part about these ornaments, which are designed and manufactured in San Francisco, is that you can plant them in your garden after the holiday season is over, and reuse the backing hooks year after year with new, small succulents.
The living succulent cuttings used for these ornaments will easily last through the holiday season and retain their color and vibrancy. You can buy a Single Succulent Ornament ($19) or a Set of Three Succulent Ornaments ($55) from Flora Grubb's webshop, or pick one up at her must-visit store in San Francisco.
Keep clicking to see how to display the ornaments and how to plant them at the end of the holiday season!
Clockwise from top left: Golden Pothos ($17), Peace Lily ($40), Mini Leaf Jade Plant ($8), Sansevieria (Mother-in-Law's Tongue) ($17), Strawberry and Cream Rubber Tree ($8), African Violet ($28).
When I was at Sunset Celebration Weekend earlier this Summer, I fell in love with DIG Garden's succulent orbs. These hanging globes of succulents provide such an unusual plant display and would make an amazing impact in a front entry, porch, or patio area of a home. You can buy a succulent orb form ($15 and up, depending on size) from DIG Gardens to make the process easy to DIY. Or, if you live within driving distance of the Santa Cruz, CA, store, you can pick up one ready made (contact DIG Gardens for more details).
For those of us interested in making our own orbs, DIG has thoughtfully provided all of the directions. Check them out below!
Today, Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary posed with their children outside Grasten Castle. The castle grounds are lush and lovely, but come Winter, it will be quite a different scene. Chilly temperatures and snow cover often mean that gardeners give up on planting favorite shrubs or vines that prefer a more temperate climate. In areas like Denmark, New York, Vermont, and other colder climates, jasmine, palms, and other favorites won't deal well with being outside year-round.
Take a tip from the Danish royals and plant your favorite mild-temperature-loving outdoor plants in oversize pots. This way, you can move them indoors when the seasons change. To make things easier on your back, make sure to borrow a hand truck to transport plants from outdoors to indoors at the first sign of frost. Keep reading to see what famous Midwestern designer has used this same gardening technique.
