Terracotta
Our outdoor table resembles a bit of a science lab at the moment. I'm an impatient person, so waiting for a patina on some new terracotta pots was out of the question. With a tip off from my (Landcape Designer) Aunt, I whipped out the natural yoghurt on the weekend. The simple process: Spread the yoghurt and then pieces of moss (I picked some from the footpath out the front) on the pot with a spatula, and then place the pot in a garbage bag for ten days in a shady spot to create a humid environment...and hopefully watch the antique finish grow.
Here is one I prepared earlier. Not really...this Bunnings pot is about 5 years old now, but this was my inspiration. I'll let you know how I go.
Why all the effort for some terracotta? I visited the wholesale nursery Plantmark in Melbourne recently, and my delivery of three very cool cacti arrived last Friday - and they all deserve a fancy new home. I love the idea of planting...I can only imagine how good it must feel for the plants, stretching 'their legs' after being cooped up in those tiny plastic pots.
- Briar
I love this! I'm impatient too and would want my patina done yesterday. So the idea of speeding up a natural patina is just amazing. Did the moss not go sliding off the yoghurt paint though? Or do you lie your pots horizontally for the 10 days?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip. I am impatient too, be sure to let us know how it goes :p
ReplyDeletewhat a cool idea!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip Im clueless when it comes to gardening
ReplyDeleteThats funny , I remember watching a Grand Designs where they did it to their roof tiles.. they did about 3 different versions (one with cow manure mixed in but all with yoghurt).. didn't work but they couldn't change the humdity so fingers crossed.. do let us know as I have a few pots I would love to age x
ReplyDeleteLoving the plant pics. There's something soothing about about rows and racks.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fun project! Briar, you'd love it hear in Vancouver, since you're apparently impatient ;) Our pots turn mossy in what feels like overnight. One good thing about heaps of rain!
ReplyDeleteI did it years ago and it did work, only problem was that it also attracted a multitude of slugs who were also keen to sample the yogurt so keep an eye out for that, lest you be beset with slugs.
ReplyDeleteI have been going to try this for so long ... now I'm doing it for sure !!!
ReplyDeleteLove the yukkas all tall and long and with a little swish of a green tuft at the top!
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful sets of cactus.
ReplyDelete