I’m in favor of hanging planters for the obvious space-saving reasons. This collection by Fernweh Woodworking is especially lovely. Made from the natural solid wood, these pieces are sculpturesque and wholesome at the same time. Justin, the creative force behind the brand, who is a former Marine Officer and Wildland Firefighter, created this woodworking studio in Bend, Oregon. He develops a variety of products, including these planters, which come in two finishes, black walnut and maple.
Speaking of clever planters (or Kickstarter projects for that matter) here is another beautiful one. Designed by Click and Grow, this foolproof self-growing system houses 9 plants in a single space-saving unit. Perfect for city dwellers with limited counter space. And the setup and upkeep are minimal: all you have to do is fill the water tank, plug the garden in and the Smart Garden 9 takes it from there. This Kickstarter campaign expires in 8 days.
This cool and helpful planter by Studio Lorier is Kickstarting (only 5 days to go). Aptly called Natural Balance, the planter demystifies and automates the watering process. The reservoir on the side supplies water to the plant gradually, so you don’t have to worry about overwatering your plants. And when the water runs out, the planter tips over to alert you. Low tech and brilliant. Watch the video after the break for details. Pledge to get yours here.
I totally missed this Kickstarter, but late is better than never, especially when cute greenery gear is concerned. The Livi planter, designed by San-Francisco based designer Hooman Koliji, looks like a gecko and sticks to any surface. The piece does not require any assembly and is ready to attach to a window (or other surfaces) in your home or office with a gentle push. Inspired by nature, Livi’s micro-suction palms are made of an innovative nanotechnology material that is able to bond with smooth surfaces repeatedly. The uses for this item are numberless. You can even use it for keeping utensils, writing tools, or other small items, if plants are not your thing. Available for preorder here.
This Kickstarter project is so incredibly cool! Lyfe is a planter, that drifts over a wooden base via magnetic levitation. Aside from being a visually stunning object, this planter helps plants by gently rotating them and ensuring 360 degrees of sunlight exposure. The rotation especially benefits Air Plants, as nutrients are absorbed by their leaves through the air, rather than the conventional root system. There are also scientific signs that magnetic fields enhance plants’ metabolism. Aside from all that, Lyfe is just a mesmerizing thing to look at. Watch the video after the break. Currently Kickstarting.
It’s easy to think that if we live in a tiny space, everything in it should be tiny as well. Not necessarily true. Take this planter, for example. Bigger than an average windowsill option, it stands on the floor and does require a bit of square footage (although, if you have room for a floor plant, you’ll have enough space for this planter). Think how much you can grow in it! Designed for a wide variety of herbs, fruits, and veggies, the Glowpear planter actually makes a lot of sense for the urban gardener. And, the best part, it waters itself. Just fill the reservoir, and you’re done. Watch the videos after the break, to see the piece in action.
Here is one unorthodox way to lift your greenery off your counters – sculpturesque planters. SEED by Taeg Nishimoto of studio TN/MOS created these beautiful wall mounted objects that can hold and showcase small house plants. Inspired by river stones, the pieces are made of fast drying cast concrete using the crumpled Tyvek as the mold. Impressive as single pieces, SEED planters can also be combined into various clusters, melting the line between utility and wall art.
I really like this concept of a self-planting upside-down herb pot. Verdure by London based young designer Seoyeonjin Choi simplifies the indoor gardening to the point of a no-brainer. All you need to do is to insert the seeds into the soil sponge compartment and add water every now and then. The sponge will absorb just the right amount of water, and the halogen lamp will keep your herbs alive and thriving. The screen will protect the plant from any kitchen factors. And the best part, the planter can be attached to the wall or backdrop, so it doesn’t take any counter space.
A notable Kickstarter for the urban gardeners out there – Elegant Farm. Made from all-natural recycled materials (glass bottles, ropes, leather straps, recycled whiskey barrels), this hydroponic system allows you to grow your veg in style. The principle is low tech and simple. Bubbles of air from the air pump lift water up to feed the plants. The liquid nutrients drain down through each planter to the reservoir and the plants drink as much as they need. Tiny rocks in each bottle give the plant roots something to hold onto so there’s no soil. Refill once a week and repeat. Available for purchase through Kickstarter.
Repotting a plant is a big chore (and in my case, a sure death sentence to a plant). Which is why London based studio Ayaskan created Growth, a smart adaptable pot that changes its size to fit its inhabitant’s needs. The origami-like creases unfold to add volume. A simple and elegant solution. And it makes the dreaded procedure a lot easier. Just add soil, and it’s done.