Then this, beautiful, puzzling
>> Wednesday, February 22, 2012 –
pots
I didn't intend to do three posts in a row about pots, but today I leave you with this:
I found this at a local Lowe's (where I got the bargain pots), and I spent several minutes looking it over in the cold and deserted garden department.
It is a ceramic pot with some of the most beautiful blue and gold designs that I've seen. I couldn't stop looking at it!
There were two problems with it though. First, there was no price tag or signage, so I had no idea how much this beauty would set me back.
Second, it was a bit of a weird shape: kind of oblong.
So far those aren't insurmountable problems, but then I made a mental list of what I could do with a pot like this -- essentially a big, colorful, deep bowl:
- Water feature
- Leave it empty and look at it
That's my entire list. Even if I wanted to plant it with water-loving plants (no drainage holes), my experience with those types of plantings is that they get smelly quite fast, unless you leave it virtually soil-less. So I started thinking of what I could plant that didn't need soil, and that's when I realized the main problem with this beautiful work...
The most attractive part of the glazing is inside, at the bottom of the bowl where I'd never be able to see it (unless I went with option 2 from above).
So I walked away from the purchase, disappointed.
Maybe I should have tracked down somebody who works there and found out the price -- low enough and I might have bought it anyway.
But probably better that I passed on this one, as lovely as it was.
(Talk me into going back for it in the comments -- I'm sure it will still be there for a few more weeks.)
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I think it's a stunning pot, exactly as it is with no planting. Anyway you know you want it, Alan.....
Did you ever consider just leaving the pot on your patio with nothing in it? That way people can just enjoy looking at the pot and in the pot.
If you end up putting floating plants in the pond (water hyacinthe, water lettuce etc...) they reproduce profusely. You could remove a few a them periodically and leave them in the pot. If it gets smelly, throw them away and try something else.
Keep up the beautiful posts. I check them every morning. Part of my routine.
TC
Oh, I know! Put a sheet of glass on top - instant outdoor coffee table. Then it will be practical AND beautiful!
I agree, buy it and leave it empty. It's beautiful enough on its own.
If you love it that much, you'll find a use for it. Put ice and drinks in it for parties. Make a fountain - no plants needed. Keep spades and hand tools in it. Coil a hose in it. Drill holes, hang it upside down and make a wind chime out of it. (Pick up the metal pipe while you are at the store buying the pot.) Just don't kick yourself later because you left it behind.
These are all some pretty good arguments, but I'm not convinced yet. The fact that the most beautiful part of the piece would be nearly impossible to see in all of these uses (except the coffee table idea -- but the pot is way too small for that) is still a major drawback. Plus I checked today and it was $50, which is more than I like to pay for a pot of dubious utility. (I reserve the right to change my mind though!)
Someone will buy it to use - which is as it should be. Imagine liking something, then getting cross because it's in the way.
Its very beautiful and I would be tempted too, but I think $50 is too much for is pot. Now if they were to mark it down, then it becomes a no-brainer. Buy it and find a use later :)