DIY Pots

Image by Ashley Ann

This is one of the coolest gardening crafts I've seen in a long time!  Kudos to Christine Chitnis and Ashley Ann for their creativity and ideas! And as always, thank you Leaf Magazine for finding them!

Image by Christine Chitnis

The total cost of this project was about $3 a pot. 

Materials:
Terracotta pots
Mod Podge
Brush
Fabric 

Directions:

1. Start by cutting a length of fabric that will wrap once around your pot. Leave extra room for folding it over on the top and bottom. 
2. Cut slits in the fabric around the top, to avoid puckering as you make your way around. 
3. Begin by coating a small section of the pot with Mod Podge. 
4. Stick the beginning of your fabric length to the pot and once it is in place
5. Coat the fabric with Mod Podge. 
6. Continue doing this all the way around, without worrying about the top or bottom of the pot. 
7. When the outside of the pot is finished, trim your fabric so that less than an inch hangs over the top and bottom. 
8. Begin at the top, folding the fabric into the pot in pleats so that it lays nice and flat around the rim. 
9. Coat in Mod Podge. 
10. Do the same for the bottom, folding the fabric in pleats so that the bottom edge of the pot remains smooth. 
11. Coat any loose flaps of fabric with Mod Podge. 
12. Let your pot dry.

GMG's Friday Find: A Pot for your thoughts...

Today's Friday Find is delightful, insightful and useful.

From their website...
PHILOSOPOTS® are whimsical flower pots, hand 'quoted' in dozens of different colors and embellishments--just the thing to brighten up your kitchen or deck! They can hold flowers, kitchen utensils, or dog treats. Each has a unique quote that ranges in category from gardening, children, teachers, dogs, humor, family and friendship and more! There is one just right for you! PHILOSOPOTS® make a great gift, one for your mother, sister, teacher, father..and don't forget Aunt Betty! There is a PHILOSOPOT for every season...every occasion. Shipped FREIGHT FREE anywhere in the USA (except Alaska and Hawaii.)

Check out these styles...many more on their website!

 "Plant more flowers than you pick."

 "Earth laughs in flowers."

"A diamond is a chunk of coal that did good under pressure."

These Philosopots are available in 6" pots for $28.00.

They also have pots for holidays, teachers gifts and will do custom orders! What 'philosophy' would you like to see written on a pot?



-Karen

Garden Media Group 





GMG's Friday Find - Living on the LEDGE!

Today's Friday Find is such a great idea and IDEAL if you like to entertain in your garden or just have a private wine & cheese break from the day!

The LEDGE

Even the websites name is great... ILoveTheLedge.com

Description from their website... 

The LEDGE is a beautifully handcrafted, wrought iron table that easily attaches to pots, urns and even wine barrels. It’s the perfect pairing of function and beauty! Constructed from handcrafted, powder-coated wrought iron, our Siena and Malibu models of The LEDGE include UV-rated acrylic glass, while the petite Capri model features a laser-cut wrought iron shelf and does not require a glass top.

The LEDGE is the progressive dinner, wine tasting and outdoor entertaining creation of Fresno, California resident Sharon Duncan.

“I noticed during gatherings that people were holding their wine glasses and struggling to balance their appetizer plates, and that the need for more table space was apparent. I got tired of renting pub tables, cloths and centerpieces, then I realized I could make use of the beautiful pots I had on my patio, so I created The LEDGE! Now I can enjoy my morning coffee on the patio or host a dinner party, and The LEDGE is always in place. It is the most beautiful end table I’ve ever had and I can’t do without it!”

The LEDGE has excellent appeal because it’s as functional as it is versatile. It’s available in three styles and can be used casually or made up to be chic and elegant. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing in your garden or entertaining on a larger scale, The LEDGE is a natural fit with your outdoor ambiance.

 

This is a great gift idea! I have got to get one of these! (Hint, Hint!)

-Karen

GMG  

Pick the Right Pot for the Right Spot

Are you as confused as I am when choosing a container for your garden or patio? I never know if I should go for the lightweight option or maybe classic cast stone. With so many choices out there, I decided to check in with our good friend and garden designer Jon Carloftis about selecting the perfect container for my yard.

According to Jon, containers come in a variety of materials including terra cotta, cast stone, and cast iron to brightly glazed pottery and lightweight polyethylene. He says selecting the perfect container depends on personal taste, needs, and affordability. Here are some of his tips for picking the right pot for the right spot.

American Traditional

Cast stone is the traditional material for American decorative garden containers and gives you an immediate look of classic antiquity. Sustainable and durable, they replicate the look of hand-carved stone or marble but at a much more affordable price. “Cast stone containers make a strong focal point for your garden and entranceway,” says Carloftis. “I like to have something tall and elegant in the center surrounded by something shorter.”

Earthy!

Terra Cotta containers, a classic feature of Mediterranean gardens, are now affordable enough for every garden. This natural earthen material, which ages to a lovely patina, is timeless and looks good almost anywhere. Terra cotta is perfect for veggies and herbs because the porous material “breathes” and improves heartiness. These classic clay pots come in a wide variety of quality and prices for every budget.

Glamorous

Make a powerful fashion statement and transform a staid garden setting into an eye-catching landscape with glazed pottery in bold color and artistic designs. Vibrant colors from classic black to rich earth tones or two-toned glazes provide style and contrast especially when positioned with other pieces, such as cast stone, or as a focal point nestled in a garden bed.

Lite & Carefree

For those who want lightweight and flexible features, polyethylene and fiberglass containers are excellent choices. “You won’t compromise style or attractiveness with upscale look-alikes,” he says. Check out Campania International's Lite pots, which replicate the look of terra cotta, cast stone, iron, or lead that you have to touch them to know they aren’t the real thing. They are easy to move and are perfect for apartments or decks.

Classic Beauties

Except in the severest climate, cast iron containers offer gardeners high strength and durability. A classic material for urn shapes, cast iron is especially appropriate for those who wish to create an historical or traditional look.

Now you have all the options that you need for selecting that perfect container to transform your patio, deck or outdoor space!

Photo Credit: Campania International

-Stacey

GMG

Martha Says -Grow Your Own

Are you ready for spring? I know I'm officially counting down the days until March 20th (40 as of today!). To really get myself in the planting mood, I love perusing all the latest special gardening issues that come into the office.

I was so excited when we received Martha Stewart's Special Gardening Issue, especially since Campania's lightweight containers are featured in a small-space gardening article.

The author, Stacey Hirvela, did a great job explaining and showcasing the types of vegetables that are suitable for containers as well as window boxes. Thanks to Stacey, I now have all the know-how to start planning my own container garden!

Check out the article below and don't forget to pick up the latest issue of Martha Stewart, which will get you spring inspired!

-Stacey

GMG

Sneak Preview

Each summer I'm fortunate enough to attend Campania's annual sales meeting, where the unveiling of their new product catalog/supplement takes place. The handing out of the catalog is by far the most exciting aspect of the meeting. It's also fun to hear everyone oohing and aahing over all the beautiful new designs.

This year consumers and retailers alike won't be disappointed with the selection of products being introduced. One of my favorite collections is their Garden Terrace Collection, which was designed to meet the consumer's desire for smaller products for their home and garden.

Here's a sneak peak of some of the items that I've already fallen in love with. From new "mini" fountains in various sizes and shapes to really cool contemporary linen glazed planters, Campania has something to complement all tastes and styles!

Look for these and their other new products this fall and next spring at retail garden centers nationwide.

-Stacey

GMG