10 Modern Planters That Welcome The Spring In Style

I must have a pretty bad case of spring fever! Why else would I have spent last weekend painting geometric pots and planting succulents?! The weather has been beautiful for days, but tomorrow it’s back to 40-degree temperatures, clouds and rain. That hasn’t stopped me from rounding up a collection of sassyhomedesign to usher in the upcoming season. Now is the time to start thinking of ways to beautify your yard or welcome the outdoors inside, and these gorgeous selections have the power to celebrate spring in style…

Wooden Planters

We begin with wooden planters–I’m actually looking for a wooden planter as we speak! I need to add some greenery to my powder room, and the selections below are great for indoor plants. This Wooden Planter from Etsy shop Moss + Twig is made from solid stained Oregon Myrtlewood. Two holes provide the perfect resting spots for succulents or cacti…

I love the chunky look of this next Wooden Succulent Planter from Etsy shop Cattails Woodwork. The piece is shaped from solid butternut reclaimed from a fallen tree. There are carved facets, but the overall vibe is raw and fabulous. Plus, the design showcases the natural grain of the wood:

The next featured planter comes from Etsy shop Wooden Shapes. It’s painted in a white and copper geometric design, and a single hole in the top makes the piece ideal for holding a candle or a succulent. Not a fan of copper? Select an accent color of your choice!

How sleek is this Boxcar Planter in Walnut and Bone White from Urbilis?! Solid walnut with a natural finish combines with bone white accents for a look that is modern…and a little bit retro! Plant your cacti or succulents in the included stainless steel inserts, then set them into the holes of the individual planters. Combine the three pieces for one unforgettable display. I want this for my powder room counter!

Marble Planters

In case you’ve missed it, we’re in the middle of a mega marble revival! Marble patterns are appearing on everything from bedding to ceramics. As you may have guessed, marble motifs have hit the world of planters and pots as well. This one-of-a-Kind Marbled Planter from the Etsy shop of Leah Ball features green detailing on a white background. A natural rope cord complements the piece…

I’ve had my eye on this Marbleized Cylinder Planter from West Elm for quite some time. Made in Portugal, the piece is ideal for the garden. And I just might have the perfect indoor spot selected as well. Good news: this terracotta planter with a marbleized pattern is currently on sale for $9.99. You can’t beat that!

From marble effects to actual marble… These Marble Planter Pots from The Cool Hunter are compact and chic. Small but substantial, they create a refreshing, luxe receptacle for your favorite succulents and more…

Metal Planters

MeWe end with a trio of metal planters that are chic and modern. This Copper Grande Balle hanging metal succulent planter from Etsy shop Plantworks PDX is made from a repurposed track light. The outside of the piece is painted a textured copper tone on the outside and a charcoal grey shade on the inside. A suede leather cord is the perfect finishing touch.

Bring on the geo style! This Polyhedron Cachepot in Silver from Mayker Studio is crafted from mild steel. The piece is welded and sanded for a clean, modern look. Love those facets!

For a hanging geo planter option, check out the Small Himmeli Geometric Drop from Etsy shop Spazz Happy Line Design. Ideal for holding air plants, this metal piece also includes a drop string for easy display.

The Art of Growing Garden Plants in Containers

Like the chef who tells a story with the food he prepares, the container gardener sculpts interesting plantscapes that add personality to indoor and outdoor spaces alike. The ongoing houseplant revival has made container gardening all the more popular, and now that a range of interesting pots and planters are at the ready, the creative possibilities for gardeners and design enthusiasts are greater than ever! In today’s post, we explore the option of putting garden plants in containers rather than the ground. Read on for some unique inspirational photos and ideas…  

Creative Groupings

Container gardening is perfect for renters, as well as homeowners who want to cultivate plants that they can move around as the seasons change. While native plants are recommended for the ground (especially plants that can survive the cold of winter or the heat of summer in your climate), you can always move a potted plant indoors when needed. This gives you freedom to experiment with the plants of your choice.

A grouping of plants makes a powerful statement. Try matching containers for a big impact. Above and below, we see striking combinations of potted plants. In the photo above, terracotta pots are the perfect receptacles for trees and shrubs at Austin’s Hotel San Jose. Below is a grouping of containers curated. Sanseveria ‘Moonshine’, mixed Echeveria and Aloe succulents are the selections of choice.

Mixing different types of pots also makes a strong statement, as shown below in a grouping of two grey pots and one chartreuse planter. The collection is modern, sleek and sculptural.

A grouping of potted plants is also the perfect way to frame a patio, balcony or other special outdoor feature. The tipi in the next image is already a focal point in the yard, but a trio of plants gives it earthy flair.

Sculpting Each Arrangement

We now turn our attention from the benefits of special groupings to the art of creating an arrangement. Start with a container, such as a planter. Going with a sculptural selection gives your container garden a unique twist. The plants in the metal containers below look like works of art, thanks to the modern forms of the planters!

When it comes to grouping clusters of plants, choose a variety of colors to create interest. The vegetation in the next featured container garden ranges from mint green to deep red:

Another interesting strategy employed by landscape designers such as Big Red Sun is to envision each planter/container as the setting of an intricate plantscape. Gravel, rocks, minerals, driftwood and an assortment of plants are the tools for creating a miniature world:

When arranging plants and other elements in your container, remember to vary the height of the greenery. One tall selection (such as horsetail reeds) adds drama, while succulents are perfect for ground-level greenery. Finishing off your arrangement with a cascading plant creates a stunning finished product.

Also consider the surrounding scenery when choosing plant selections for your container. For example, the container garden below (another fabulous creation) is filled with Bromeliads, which evoke a tropical feel. For more information on how to design and plant container gardens, which includes a 24-page sample from her book, Easy Container Gardens. 

 

Here’s one more point to consider: it’s not just how you fill your container–it’s how you display it! The terracotta planter below is taken to the next level by a sculptural table.

 

Tree Bench Ideas for Added Outdoor Seating

There’s nothing like a tree bench that invites you to have a seat and enjoy a quiet reflective moment in nature! If you thought these benches required a custom building and assembly job, think again. While hiring a professional to create the tree bench of your dreams is an option, as is taking a DIY approach, you can also purchase a tree bench online and easily put it together once it’s conveniently shipped to your home. Here are some of the most popular and interesting designs on the market…

Round Tree Benches

A tree trunk is round, so it makes sense that many a tree bench would be round as well! This tree bench with a view is the perfect deck embellishment. The slats of the bench mirror the slats of the modern railing.

This Forever Tree Bench from Forever Redwood has a handy back so you have a support to lean on while you’re daydreaming! Finely sanded redwood is the material of choice, and weather-resistant sealant ensures that this piece holds up in the elements:

This Windsor Tree Bench from Benches.co.uk is packed with personality. A circular cutout design along the back support creates a Midcentury feel, and planks of wood create ray-like formations out from the center of the bench. Absolutely lovely!

There’s nothing like an arm railing to designate personal space, especially if the bench is a fixture in a public setting. Once again, we see fine redwood, this time on the Luna Tree Bench from Forever Redwood. Note that this bench is available in three standard sizes up to 10 feet in diameter, and it can comfortably seat 12!

Hexagonal Tree Benches

Round is fabulous, but add some angles, and you get shapes that span the hexagon and beyond! This deck tree bench creates a clean-lined statement.

Tree benches are found on wooden decks, green lawns and stone patios! This grey-toned bench has a modern look that can’t be denied.

The tree bench below is a true focal point in this graveled garden filled with treasures. Note how the warm tone of the bench matches the warm glow of the garden’s brick trim.

Next we see the Coral Coast Fillmore Wood Outdoor Hexagonal Tree Bench from Hayneedle, which provides back support and adds golden tones to the yard, thanks to its weather-resistant cedar construction:

With a similar look, the Tree Hugger Bench from Brookstone adds wrap-around style to your tree of choice. Also like the bench above, this selection can be yours for around $229.

Creative Solutions

We end today’s post by taking a look at tree benches that defy expectation. For a unique look, skip the wrap-around approach and opt for an L-shaped bench, as shown in the modern yard below.

Or go with a half-circle for a change, especially if wrapping the bench all the way around the tree isn’t an option. In the next image, we see the Miramar Tree Bench from Forever Redwood, available in three standard sizes:

Aren’t these recycled garden art ideas from BHG fabulous?! On the left (below), we see a painted tree bench, with each plank drenched in a different shade. On the right is a mosaic circle with a floral design!

Sleek and modern is the look and feel of the square tree bench below, which mimics the shape of the colorful square ottomans that pepper the modern yard that it calls home.

No tree is too skinny for a bench! For a dramatic effect, leave a small opening at the center of your bench. Modern and fabulous, don’t you think?

Or leave an extra large opening at the center of your bench and fill it with soil and mulch to create a flower bed. Why not make the most of the space?

This unusual tree bench is more like a deck lounger. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! Eye-catching cushions complete the laid-back look.

Last but not least, we showcase a couple of creative seating solutions from Mono Goen, which have the power to transform your indoor space. All you need is a potted plant or two! Whether you’re looking for a bench approach, or you’re searching for a table and chair solution, there’s an option to meet your seating needs with flair!

What’s your preferred tree bench option? A round or hexagonal wrap-around bench? Or maybe something more unusual? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…

5 Low Maintenance Plants for Landscaping

Spring is right around the corner, and so begins the hunt for interesting landscaping plants! While we at Decoist love tried and true favorites such as yucca and silver ponyfoot, today we take a look at five selections that work well in the modern yard. Some are sculptural. Some add tropical flair. All are interesting, and all are low-maintenance plants. Enjoy!…

Ixora

We begin with Ixora, a tropical plant that produces lovely flowers in shades of red, pink, orange and yellow. It can tolerate full sun in many cases, and you can grow the plant as a shrub or in containers. While it prefers moist soil and doesn’t do well in frosty weather, it requires minimal care overall, making this plant a great choice for the garden.

Since Ixora has a tropical feel, it works well in poolside environments, as well as at the base of taller plants (such as palm trees)! However, Ixora can also be cultivated as a hedge (depending on the climate) and integrated in a variety of ways in a variety of yards! Consult an expert at your local nursery if you’re interested in bringing Ixora to your outdoor space

Queen Victoria Agave

With its porcupine-like form and sculptural style, Queen Victoria certainly commands attention! This succulent does well in full-sun environments and requires only occasional watering, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaped gardens.

Plant Queen Victoria agave in a container or in the ground. As shown below, it truly shines when planted in multiples. However, be careful when handling this plant, as the edges are sharp.

Pittosporum

Pittosporum encompasses a wide range of flowering plants, with Japanese pittosporum being a popular variety. Able to grow in shade or sun, the plant is very hardy and fabulous for the low-maintenance garden.

Pittosporum is a popular choice for hedges and borders, so don’t hesitate to use it to add volume at the base of a tree or another tall plant.

Barrel Cactus

There’s no denying that barrel cactus is fun to look at! No wonder so many modern landscapers incorporate it into the yard, often combining it with other suculents for variety in color and form. 

Well-drained soil is a must for this plant, as is a sunshine and minimal watering. In other words, it’s a classic example of a low-maintenance plant! Like the Queen Victoria agave, this succulent is impressive when planted in a group. And once again, watch those spines! 

Rosemary

An herb such as rosemary may seem basic and played out, but don’t underestimate its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions, as well as its lovely, full appearance. In fact, you can use this plant to bulk up a xeriscaped garden and get great results! 

The plant may be upright, or it may be trailing. Grow it in the ground or in a pot. Nothing beats snipping some fresh herbs from the backyard when it’s time to cook dinner!

Do you have a favorite low-maintenance landscaping plant? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…

Grassless Yards That Will Make You ReThink Having a Lawn

You know how people say "the grass isn't always greener" to discourage wanting for what you don't have? That always seemed like a weird expression to me. I never covet people who have lawns to mow and yards to weed. The truth is you can have a beautiful, lush and, yes, totally lusted-after yard without a patch of grass anywhere in sight.

Here are 10 beautiful outdoor spaces that get everything right, making sure you never missed the grass in the first place. You can use these inspiration images in a few ways, depending on your current status:

• Apartment dwellers with tiny balconies can use this as inspiration to add some greenery in unexpected ways, like a small box garden. And yes, you can gravel-scape a small balcony, too.
• People in townhomes who have small, shaded yards can find comfort in knowing that you don't need high-maintenance grass to landscape beautifully. Gravel and pavers can go a long way.
• Anyone with a big house on a big lot might want to reconsider their current lawn-heavy landscape in favor of one of these low-maintenance ideas.
  

  
Above, and at top: A backyard cottage's low-water yard, designed by the team at Sunset magazine for their annual Celebration Weekend and featured in the September 2015 issue

A playful, modern Brooklyn Heights backyard

There's plenty of grassland around this urban farmhouse, designed by Urban Agriculture Inc. for Fox Network's Home Free, but there's also plenty of grass-free landscaping scenes and ideas. 

A modern patio in San Francisco

A midcentury modern makeover in California, from Outer Space Landscape Architecture. 

 The EDDIE house and its urban garden in San Francisco, from Three Legged Pig Designs. 

Having no grass doesn't limit the possibilities of a playground, as seen in this San Francisco backyard

The terrace of interior designer Anna Carin McNamara. You can read more about her renovation process on The Generalist. 

A gravel courtyard highlights this outdoor living room in Nashville

An alternative ground cover featured in this Toronto home