Posted by
Alicia Cox Thomson
Friday, May 29, 2009 8:59 AM EDT
When embarking upon a mini-makeover for my sad, busted-up rental balcony (reveal post coming soon!), I was surprised at just how many styles, shapes and sizes of planters there are out there. I'm no major greenthumb, but I do have a lovely group of flowers I hope to keep alive and I'd like them to do it in style.
Clean and Classic
IKEA's MYNTA line of earthenware pots are designed simply to let the plants be the decoration. MYNTAs come in various colours, shapes and sizes from $14.99 to $49.99, a great deal for the gardener who is buying up mulitples. The saucers are sold separately -- you don't want the drainage hole covered, so be sure to grab both parts.
Photos courtesy of IKEA.com
Recycled/DIY
The beauty of doing it yourself is that any vessel will do, as long as you can puncture a hole in the bottom for air flow and drainage. Or, you can double-pot the plant so any excess water can be drained. Excess water leads to root rot (which I've personally experienced, or rather, my poor plants have).
The other harbinger of root rot is the size: a too-small pot will result in planticide just as much as one that is too large. I was gifted this very yummy mint plant, complete with Mojito recipe, from Freeman Herbs. It came in an ice bucket -- cute, right? Imagine the hostess gift possiblities.
Modern Metal
You know how we always want what we can't have? This aluminum stunner by MuNiMulA would intimidate my humble balcony, but if your outdoor aesthetic is sleek and sexy (and you have a bit of dough to spare), this planter will probably last a lifetime and never go out of style.
MuNiMulA UU44Planter, $399 available in Canada at Modern Karibou. Photo courtesy of Modern Karibou.
A Little Bit Country
Again, along the themes of wanting what you can't have, imagine this antique-y wire bike planter topped with trailing vines and sweet posies, propped against a white-washed country cabin run awild with greenery... Of course, you could mimic this transport transformation with an old bike you have at home. Or, you may spot one at a garage sale or antique auction. Personally, I think it would be even better painted in white; this model also comes in rust.
Wire Bike Planter from GardenSuperMart.com, $229. Photo courtesy of GardenSuperMart.com.
Colourful Ceramic
I love colour in an outdoor space -- the more, the merrier, whether grown naturally or store-bought. Why not pair flowers with contrasting pots? Or go monochromatic for a saturation of colour (which would pop against the white-washed cabin in my dreams). Check out our guide to plants by colour and get creative. The New England Pottery line available at Home Depot offers unique, ceramic planters in varying shapes and sizes. I love the deep red and textured blue of the below.
Left, 19 inch Bell Planter in Tivoli Red, $56; Right, 6 inch Flower Pot - Textured Vanderbilt, $19.98. Photos courtesy of Home Depot.