Ever since I was little growing up in France I have been obsessed with all things greenery. My mom and I used to work in her garden together and I loved the imperfection of plants and trees. From dandelions to magnolias it didn’t matter, I loved it all. I don’t necessarily have an amazing green thumb but I am not afraid to try out new plants in all types of situations. This curiosity led me down the magical path of selecting outdoor vessels of all sizes, shapes, textures to accommodate my plant habits which now makes me an official “pot lady.” 😂 I’m so excited to share with you my passion for planters and some approachable tips and tricks.
Here’s the thing… you can tell an authentic planter from a dupe so my advice is, know where to place a bargain planter (not on your front stoop!) and know where to invest in one that takes your breath away. I personally am obsessed with vintage planters that look like they’ve been loved by the sun, splashed on by the sea and planted by artisans over and over again. Due to the weight of such planters I tend to source locally from nurseries like Oliver Nurseries, Outdoor Design, and Terrain but you can also find me scouring flea markets for olive jars when possible.
Sadly, I don’t live in a year-round warm weather climate so I do have to be mindful of the materials I choose to leave outside during the winter. Terracotta? I’m obsessed. But do I wrap it like a fragile Christmas present during the cold temps? You bet I do! Otherwise, it cracks.
When I started in design, I focused primarily on outdoor planter and landscape design. Digging in dirt was my passion while I worked a full-time corporate job and it was a hobby I loved growing into a side business. My crew used to think I was insane with the amount of overstuffing and over-planting I’d add in but let’s just say that they got the WOW vision once summer came. 😊
Planters don’t need to be grouped, they can also stand-alone so long as the plant makes a statement along with it. They can also be used as tabletop vessels with smaller plants to dress up that boring table that needs some oomph. And yes, same rule applies to plants! Tip? Go big or go home.
I get asked a lot about my favorite plants. Ok here are a few… so long as you promise to water daily because plants in planters get especially thirsty (that’s a mouthful)!
Add color with lavender or nepeta, add whimsy with Gaura and Cosmos, add trailing interest with bacopa or sweet potato vine, add olive tree vibes with Japanese willow, add texture with succulents and add tropicals wherever you can! Shade? I’m a fern girl all the way. There are so many varieties, don’t be afraid to experiment. Full sun? Try Mexican feather grass, you won’t regret it. Not feeling like taking a risk? Plant a hydrangea in a color you love and done! Plants don’t cost so much. Planters do though so choose wisely and place wisely (also because they get too heavy to move once filled). Tip? Fill your planter mostly with clean recyclables so you’re not using a crazy amount of soil.
Again and again, I hope you know I hate rules. If you follow along, you know I love TRYING everything. I grew a grape vine two years ago and couldn’t believe it (before the squirrel ate it). Critical tip? ENJOY the process.
xo, gaelle
