Iron Wrought Trellises Worthy of Passion Vines

Posted by hpotterblog on February 14th, 2012in Dianne Benson, Gardening Products, Trellis | No Comments

By Dianne Benson, author of Dirt: The Lowdown on Growing a Garden with Style

I have not yet met any single plant — let alone a vine — that is as awe-inspiring and heart-stopping as a passion vine (Passiflora).

Passiflora passion and trellises

If I had the pleasure of living in a climate hospitable to growing these exquisite creatures in the ground — I would have many more varieties than the four I now proudly boast.

But my four are just heaven…as they should be, given their highly graphic, if not religious significance (stamens are the Holy Trinity, corolla the Crown of Thorns, and so on).

One oversized, mauvey, multi-colored beauty resides in a biggish terracotta pot and grows at the sunniest end of the grape arbor on a rather graceless piece of lumber

The frilliest passion flower has the terrible job of scrambling over a deer fence which is impossible to beautify

But it is the remaining two passion vines that are much happier because they are growing — as they should be — on handsome trellises. As this emblematic, exotic plant sends out amazing curlicue tendrils (another Passion of Christ reference), its ability to climb on and arrange itself around a trellis is unsurpassed.

A trellis is better than a lattice or a fence

The framework of a trellis can be fanciful or straightforward, right-angled or tripartite, pillared or domed, intricate or simpl

The very best selection I can find is here at H. Potter where they have all of the above and more — there is one trellis with hanging bells that seems exceptionally delightful — style and garden sounds at the same time.

Made of strong iron, they are coated with a special finish that is not brown or green or gray, but a totally neutral color that fits perfectly into the garden palette — even when it is brand new and before it is covered with passion or any other vines.

The one pictured is the Leaf Trellis; the next that I have my heart set on are the Pillar Trellis or the Onion Dome.  You will be thrilled when you see what a difference they make in your own garden.  And what’s even better — some designs are now available at a sale price…treat yourself….

East Hampton, New York

19 September 2010

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Vacation? Hire Terrariums as Plantsitters for Your Houseplants

Posted by hpotterblog on January 20th, 2012in Cloche, Gardening Products, Terrarium, Tovah Martin, Wardian case | No Comments

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

Terrariums make great resort hotels for your houseplants.

Terrariums as plantsitters

So, you’re headed off on vacation.

The suitcases are packed, your neighbors are all lined up to fetch newspapers, and the retriever is headed for doggie camp.

But what about your houseplants? Let’s face it – when it comes to plant duty, most housesitters fizzle, fry or forget.

Try terrariums when your houseplants are home alone

By clustering your plants inside terrariums placed in indirect light (that’s the critical part), you can give them a generous drink before leaving and then they’ll be on autopilot for a week or more while you’re away.

No sweat, no worries, no frantic phone calls to your brother-in-law describing where the house key is hidden. For many plants, terrariums do the trick.

Terrariums aren’t the solution for every houseplant

Cacti and succulents don’t really like the moist/shady conditions within terrariums. But then again, most cacti and succulents survive beautifully solo for a week or two without water if you pull them away from baking sun.

With that exception, most houseplants that normally prefer sun will tolerate a week or so with lower light conditions. And terrariums will keep your houseplants slightly moist so you can skip the five-page, single-spaced instructions delineating the care and watering of each plant on your windowsill.

How to set up terrariums as plantsitters

Make sure your houseplants are potted in sufficiently large containers.  Terrariums work best as plantsitters if the roots aren’t cramped.

Water your plants before leaving.

Find a place in your house with indirect light (monitor the light throughout the day).

Gather individual large glass apothecary jars, cloches (aka bell jars) or obtain one big Wardian Case.

If you use cloches, find a tray or individual plates or saucers to place beneath the plants. This will prevent the condensation from wetting the floor. In fact, a tray under apothecary jars, etc isn’t a bad idea – the glass may sweat.

Place your plants (in their containers – no need to plant them directly in the terrariums) inside the jars or Wardian Case and cover it. If the plants normally prefer slightly dry conditions, crack the lid slightly to ventilate. Don’t crowd – one plant per terrarium is best.

Enjoy your vacation knowing that your plants will be fine while you’re having fun.

If you plan to be away over a longer haul, other alternatives might be necessary. But for a brief getaway, terrariums are the way to go.

Watch a new video about a favorite H. Potter terrarium.

Don’t miss any of Tovah’s expert advice on terrariums! For a free RSS or email subscription to this blog go to the upper-right section of the sidebar. Your email address will not be shared.

Valentine’s Day Gift!

Posted by admin on January 11th, 2012in Garden Gifts, Garden Planters, Gardening Products, Terrarium, Wardian case, Wardian case | 2 Comments

Valentine’s Day Gift!

A  glass terrarium is a fool-proof Valentine’s Day gift for the gardner, child, and even those allergic to the garden in your life!

When you give the gift of a terrarium, it’s always a custom-design!

There’s the “from-the-heart” factor. Talk about giving something that’s personal –a terrarium is like a piece of living art. Your instincts and these design tips will combine to make a memorable piece. Valentine’s day gift terrariums come in all shapes and sizes. You could go for a glass cloche or glass terrarium and fill it with a small expressive scene.

Glass terrariums are easy and creative Valentine’s Day gifts but also a breeze to care for.

Would your Valentine benefit from a little green in their life but don’t want to burden them with responsibilities? Go straight for a terrarium. Plants can thrive without hassle in this great valentine gift. Not only are glass terrariums trouble-free, but terrariums put a shine on any plant sequestered within. Plus, glass terrariums take the pains out of growing. Your friend who is the avid gardner, relative, neighbor, or lover won’t need a sunny exposure. The terrarium will be on auto-pilot and will rarely require water.

Basically flower-related fuss, including allergies, is a thing of the past. If your Valentine is allergic to flowers and sending roses would be a disaster then get her a glass terrarium instead. These aren’t the fish-tank terrariums from the 8^th grade school fair . The modern glass terrarium can be include glass domes, bowls or vintage wardian cases. Glass terrariums can easily contain a several varieties of flowers, moss, or cacti. Maybe even consider creating a romantic scene for your Valentine using figurines that can be placed in glass terrariums.

Unique Valentine’s Day Gift for Kids! 

The glass terrarium could be a great gift for the young girl or boy in your life. The glass terrarium may not seem to be an obvious Valentine’s Day gift, but a young gardener or mad scientist boy or girl will surely enjoy it. Glass terrariums serve as a good substitute for all the Valentine’s Day candy or more traditional valentine gifts. Glass terrariums are low-maintenance and can house a variety of cool and pretty plants in them, depending on who you are buying for. Terrariums are made fun because they aren’t hard to use and they show fast results after planting which is great when trying to keep the attention of a child. For boys, glass terrariums full of carnivorous plants would put you at the top of the cool list. His valentine terrarium could include tiny Venus flytraps and pitcher plants. The only downside to these is that a boy may need to catch or purchase food for them.

Nasturtium Combinations For a Trellis and a Planter — Edible Flowers

Posted by hpotterblog on January 14th, 2011in Arbor, Birding, Charlotte Germane, Container Garden, Garden Planters, Gardening Products, Gazebo, Outdoor Decor, Trellis | No Comments

By Charlotte Germane, Editor of H. Potter Knowledge blog

All plant photos courtesy of Renee’s Garden

Nasturtium Display on Your Trellis

Beautiful when bare, this trellis and copper planter will be your own dazzling garden statement when you add your favorite climbing and trailing plants. Continue Reading >>

Holiday Terrariums: A Video of Decorated Wardian Cases

Posted by hpotterblog on December 14th, 2010in Gardening Products, Terrarium, Videos | No Comments

By Charlotte Germane, Editor of H. Potter Knowledge blog

Sugar Plum Terrariums

Seven talented gardeners, who happen to be well-known garden writers, created holiday terrariums this year using H. Potter Wardian cases. Continue Reading >>

Terrariums for Kids

Posted by hpotterblog on October 1st, 2010in Cloche, Gardening Products, Terrarium, Tovah Martin, Wardian case | 1 Comment

By Tovah Martin, author of The New Terrarium

Terrariums are kid-size

So, it’s been raining for two solid days and the kids are climbing the walls.

Or it’s steaming hot and no one wants to go outside.

Or you’d like a nature-based diversion for your tween, to break the obsession with staring at a screen.

Try terrariums!

Instead of a screen, they’re windows on nature. As far as kid appeal is concerned, they have it all. First, they’re compact. Kids love small worlds. Remember your dollhouse? Or trollhouse? You were drawn to it because it was like someone shrank reality. Continue Reading >>

Roasted Peppers: Mediterranean Side Dish from your Garden for Outdoor Dinners

Posted by hpotterblog on September 23rd, 2010in Container Garden, Gardening Products, Patti Bess, Recipes | 1 Comment

By Patti Bess, author of Vegetarian Barbecue

Peppers from your garden

Balmy September days finish the ripening and sweetening of peppers.

H. Potter’s copper urn is the perfect place to grow a variety of peppers on the deck or amidst

the flower beds. Continue Reading >>