My favorite thing

There's so much to like about my new front walkway: the stones, the dozens of new plants, the fact that I can walk to the street without trampling wet lawn, the improved view out of my upstairs office window. The one aspect that I think is my favorite of all though is the addition of the pots. You may have noticed them in the photos of the completed project. I know I can't stop looking at them.

These were a completely serendipitous find on the trip to purchase the metal path edging, and I think they're such a key element of the walkway now -- I couldn't imagine not having them!

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I'm always on the lookout for new pots and bargain plants whenever I go to the home improvement stores, and this time the detour to the pot aisle really paid off!

I don't know if I've ever found a pot that was more fitting to my gardening style:

There are so many factors that were just perfect about these. First, they are a good size: the small one is about 12" (30cm) in diameter and height, while the larger one is around 14" (35cm) diameter and 18" (46cm) tall. Big, but not too big.

Second, they're solid: they're cast concrete! They should have no problems with winter freezes, especially if they're empty during the winter.

Third, their color is muted; it was listed as "pine" but it's such a slight green tint you still recognize these as concrete. Some pots are so flamboyant that I feel they detract from what might be placed into them. These just blend into the landscape. Don't get me wrong -- I love a colorful pot to add some life into a planting bed. In this case though the "drab" color is just so right.

Fourth, the shape: very contemporary and clean. Basic. Almost primitive. Nothing fancy.

Fifth, the price: these were not crazy expensive! Usually when I find a large pot that catches my eye, the price tag keeps me walking. If it is affordably priced there's usually a reason: thin walls (not freeze-proof), damaged, or made of plastic or foam. These are none of those things, yet the small one was only $20, and the large was $30. I know they're "just concrete" so should be less expensive than ceramic pots, but this was surprising in a very nice way.

On my first trip I only bought one of each size. Once I saw them in situ I realized I had to go back and get more. In fact I would have driven back immediately except the truck bed was already full of compost and manure, and I had to wait until the following day when I had unloaded part of it before returning to the store. (I was certain they'd all be gone when I got back there -- these things have to be selling fast, right? They're clearly the best pots in the department by far! Of course there were plenty left, and in fact they probably hadn't sold another since my previous trip.)

The only drawback to these -- and it's a minor one -- is that they're heavy. Very heavy! Great for putting into place and having them stay put, but not so great when moving them around. The large ones had to weigh at least 80 pounds! Quite satisfying to have them sink into the soil when put into position, that's for sure. (Or maybe that's just the relief of putting them down.)

So I've got the three next to the front porch, and the remaining three flanking the walkway. The idea is the same as with plants: repetition ties the areas together and adds harmony.

I've actually had plans to create some concrete planters similar to this -- that's on my list of projects to tackle some day "when I have time". The fact that I found something that almost exactly matches what I had envisioned, well, it's wonderful! (I'll leave that project on the list though, as it seems like it would be fun.)

I just love these and can't wait to get them all planted up next year.

Although I love them even empty.


(Incidentally, I found these at the local Lowe's.)

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