As you've seen, my interior style almost always lean towards the laid-back cottage look. Same goes for my outside taste. I love the look and bright bursts of colors that annuals can bring to a garden. (Although they must be replanted each year, annuals are hard to beat in terms of showy, season-long color.)
That being said, lets be honest, who has the time to replant them every year? Thats why I like to use them as accent pieces by planting them in containers. No digging up the beds, mulching or fertilizing the soil. All you need is a pot, some potting mix, gloves and some creativity.
Terra Cotta is by far the most economical pot on the market but its also not always the look you're going for--especially for my cottagy style. But who says terra cotta has to be terra cotta?
Here's an easy way to give your old terra cotta pots some new life and put your own stamp on the garden this year.
1. Gather all your old terra cotta pots.
2. Go through all your paint cans, paint samples, etc. Find all the colors you like (or at least thought you liked at one point in time) and spread them out on the table.
3. Grab a cheap bag of foam brushes and a pie plate, paint tray, paper plate, or other surface that can serve as your mixing station.
4. Get creative! Blend different colors together until you get something you like. (I used a variety of white, beige and light green) Its fine to use interior paint, because if you're going for a cottage look like me they'll weather faster and build character sooner. I also like to leave
really obvious brush strokes but the more layers you put on the more it will like like a solid piece of pottery. (to get the look of glazed pottery--like those amazing blue ones, pick up a spray can of high gloss clear coat from your favorite home improvement store and give it a couple of coats.)
5. Let dry and then plant your favorite annuals!
You'll be amazed at how great you're "custom" pottery looks. Don't stop at just one, go crazy on the whole set or just select pieces to bring a cohesive look to your garden.
Another added bonus, terra cotta pots are notorious for weeping water. The new paint job will help them retain moisture better so your plants aren't competing with the pot for water.
Cheers!
Laura
