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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Design Decisions: Zinc Planters


Last month, I wrote about our pool design process, and received quite a few emails about various details of the landscape.  Many of the questions were about the planters that we used, and the thought process behind the plantings that were selected.

Working with my landscape architect and his favorite planter specialist, Russell Gandy of Area Garden and Design Services, we selected the Restoration Hardware Zinc estate planter for the spots on either side of the pool.

We also considered this beautiful lead planter from Authentic Provence, but it simply wasn’t in the budget.  Check out their website – they have the most beautiful French, English, and Italian planters. This one is called the Hampshire planter, and is from their English collection.

 
I wish I had taken a picture of the boxes that the planters arrived in – I had them shipped directly to my house (usually I use a receiver who unpacks and delivers large items), and it was a huge challenge to unpack the planters and get them to the back yard!  I ended up borrowing a dolly from my kids’ school, and wheeled the planters to the back. Here is a picture of one of the planters, freshly unwrapped.  The zinc is dark right out of the box, however it quickly weathered when exposed to the elements.

Here is a picture of the zinc planter after it was planted.  Although it is in the shadow in this picture, you can see that the zinc has already attained a beautiful soft gray patina. 
I gave Russell full artistic freedom to put what he wanted in the pots, and he selected babywing begonias, ivy, and Pindo Palm.  Russell thought that the beautiful arching feather leaves of the palm would provide a nice element to the yard.   One other interesting feature of this type of palm is that it is one of the hardiest of the palms, and can tolerate the winter temperatures of Atlanta.

Here is a long view of the pool with the planters on either side.  The planters are visible from just about every room on the main floor of the house, and I think they add a lovely and unexpected element to the yard.

I was pleased to see these same planters were selected for a project that designer and antique store owner Loi Thai used to grace the front steps of a project he recently completed in Washington DC.  Click here to see the entire post; Loi’s blog is definitely one of my favorites as it is filled with landscape design, antiques, and beautiful interiors.  I love the color that Loi selected for the door, Farrow & Ball's "Blue Gray" #91.
If you ever have any questions, feel free to email me (thingsthatinspire@gmail.com)– often your questions create good fodder for new blog posts! 

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28 comments:

  1. Historically correct with all you've done inside/outside.

    You really do need to get that pot from Authentic Provence.

    Better, a pair.

    Garden & Be Well, XO T

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    Replies
    1. I know - that Authentic Provence planter is amazing! It was also 5 times the cost of the RH pot, and I am on a budget! Maybe some day, I still need two or three pots for the patio.

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  2. O'k when you said zinc....you meant ZINC! I was expecting the fake ones! As always, you get what you pay for, and the planters you selected fit perfectly. I will check out Restoration, as I need planters with heft to survive our winter storms. Thanks for the info:) Brenda.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, they are real zinc! We evaluated some planters that had a zinc look, but my landscape architect said that they are really not very hardy.

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  3. I just love your zinc planters. They are another important detail that finishes off your pool area, which looks amazing by the way. I hope ours looks as good when it's done. I have also seen some other exterior details done with zinc recently, and have fallen in love with zinc gutters, catchboxes, and downspouts. These really add some character to a frequently overlooked element. Always look forward to your posts! Thanks. - Tonya

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  4. Budget and dreams -- always a struggle isn't it? We deal with that every day with our clients. I love the way the planters anchor and hold your eye at the the end of the pool. Hoping that the palms grow to a slightly larger size over time. That will help even more!!!

    Cheers,
    John

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  5. Bravo and three cheers for the palms. Once you start looking, you can find palms all over Atlanta. Who knew? I want to see the winter look. I'm looking forward to a blog about your big round finials, it that's what they are called.

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  6. I adore zinc planters. These are a great choice for the price. My favorites for when we all feel like stepping up are those from Pennoyer Newman and they do custom work as well - just beautiful!

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  7. It all looks incredible beautiful! We have these planters outside of my shop and we have loved them! I also have been carrying around a brochure from Authentic Provence from market! Aren't those lead planters to die for?! I just love them! Your pool really is spectacular! I keep showing it to my husband for when we give ours a makeover! I love it! So glad you shared this with us! I'm always stumped when it comes to planting in big containers so this was very helpful!

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  8. Your entire home is so gorgeous and the pool area just has me dreaming. The zinc pots filled with the beautiful plantings is the perfect addition...love the zinc!!

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  9. I love these planters. They look beautiful around the pool.

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  10. Stunning! I can't wait to see more of your new house, your pool is amazing! x Maria

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  11. It's all about attention to detail and those zinc planters really do the job. Your pool also looks amazing, congratulations!

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  12. Wow Holly, great choice!! Love love love it and zinc planters have always been one of my favorites, your pool setting is simply spectacular, hope you are getting lots of enjoyment out of it this summer! Thanks for sharing:)

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  13. Hate palms, love your pool. Want to tear up my back yard.

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  14. I believe your pool is one of my favorites of all time. Love the planters too, however, I didn't have great luck with my zinc planters from Restoration. They rusted out after only a couple of seasons and I was sorely disappointed. :(

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  15. LOVE your pool! And love Loi too. Not only does he have the most exquisite taste, he's a helluva nice guy! I'm a recent subscriber but look forward to catching up with more of your posts! best ~ Laurel

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  16. Hi, Holly - Thanks so much for including the photo and link! I really appreciate your kind words!! :-) Your pool and grounds are stunning. So expansive and elegant. I think the palms are perfect, and love their loose form against the sculpted boxwoods and hedges. Great contrast. Those are wonderful planters---we're so pleased with them. Hope you all are enjoying the pool in this heat.
    Cheers,
    Loi

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  17. Gorgeous. The zinc planters are truly "inspired". You have a very SMART blog. Love it! Valerie

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  18. Holly-
    I don't know how you moved these, but they certainly are gorgeous. I LOVE the palm!
    The patina on the zinc is perfection. Isn't Loi great?
    Thank you for sharing.
    Happy Wednesday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  19. a zinc table is on my WISH LIST!!
    x

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  20. Say what you will about Restoration hardware -but they have THE BEST outdoor stuff for the price (and lamp shades).

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  21. So tasteful of course! Love those planters Holly

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  22. Holly, the planters look wonderful!! Which size did you end up selecting...it appears to be their large planter?

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  23. your pool looks like heaven!

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