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Fleur-de-lis pattern terra-cotta planter box. $65. Cebolla Fine Flowers. 4320 Lovers Ln. 214-369-7673. French-glazed terra-cotta planter with olive leaf detail. $400. Pittet Architectural. 318 Cole St. 214-651-7999. Rustic bowl planter in waffle pattern sea green glaze. $95. Jackson’s Home & Garden. 6950 Lemmon Ave. 214-350-9200. Double-handled pot in French glaze. $120. Philip Maia Antiques. 1209 Slocum St. 214-939-5200. Pair of 18th century Italian bronze urns. $2,800. Pittet Architectural. 318 Cole St. 214-651-7999.
Pot Pointers
We asked Dan Sauerwein, residential manager at ValleyCrest Landscape, who’s been in the business since 1984, for some advice on keeping potted plants looking their best. Pots are more like picture frames while the plants act as the painting, Sauerwein says. If you have an ornate pot, you should use an understated plant. You don’t want a very busy plant to play second fiddle to your pot.
A pot should have a drainage hole for the excess water.
An outdoor pot should be able to withstand the elements (E.g., extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and rain).
Place 2 inches of 3/4-inch drain rock at the bottom of the pot.
Lay filter fabric (available at any nursery) over the gravel before putting bagged potting soil on top. Separating the dirt from the gravel will help keep soil out of the water drainage and will cut down on any stains it may leave.
Leave 2-3 inches of rim above the soil level to allow water to flood.
