MilkWeed: Planter Passion

An architectural, clean-lined vessel is key for plantscaping our modern digs. No need for our containers to compete with their contents so let the greens be wild as nature intended and our planters a statement not over-stated.

Photo: Scott Caligure for Tend

Gainey remains my go-to line for plantscaping my projects. This California company gets high props for being both local (vs. the typical overseas) and green in their production, and they have been doing it since the 50s. The classic and clean Cylinder design is where it is at. Custom planter stands by Bells and Whistles for Tend.

Spendy but sublime, the Pineapple Planter by Vessel USA is a delicate departure from the boldness of the Architectural Pottery line. I never tire of these classic shapes made popular by the mid-century case study homes. I am perpetually enamored with the La Gardo Tackett designs such as the TH-1 and IN series totem sculptures. My very first job allowed me to use practically the entire line and I can attest to the stellar quality. I’ll take one of each please.

Always on the snoop for modern pottery, I came across these yummies offered by San Diego-based modern aficionados, Objects USA. These folks have made an art form of the snoop and while no estate sale is safe from them, at least they free up my Saturdays in this town.

This 1940s planter designed by Saint Louis Architect, student of Frank Lloyd Wright, was way ahead of its time. And still is.

While I am not typically a fan of the mass produced stuff, this west elm reproduction — yes, blatant copy although bulkier — of the mid-century classic is an affordable option… consider it a transition piece until we can afford the original. Sigh, I really have a love/hate relationship with this company.

Photo: Scott Caligure and JXL Studios

STILL hung up in production (drats those pesky ceramic molds) and still my favorite, the Golly Pod planter by JXL Studios for Tend. Vintage meets Futurism. These will be worth the wait, people.

Tend-er Tip: make sure your pot has drainage holes so your plants do not sit in water. If not, place a plastic container inside the pot over an inch of pumice. Check for excess standing water and dump as needed. If you want the very best for your plants, use a jardiniere system. This is a form of sub-irrigation that allows the plant to draw up water when it is ready, so over-watering is never a risk (the number one killer of our plant friends). Simply keep the tank full and let nature takes its course. Best of all, you can leave town without leaving your green friends in the lurch. Check with your local plant nursery.

Happy New Year everyone!