The Art of Aging Pots
Intentional Midwest Living
Potted greens are a sure sign of spring in the Midwest. They’re a colorful reminder of the coming warmth, longer days and the promise of short-sleeved hikes outdoors. It’s a design staple of front porches across the Midwest.
Their popularity in this four-season climate is functional too. If you live in this Rust Belt region, you know Mother Nature likes to tease all Spring. Seventy degrees one day … snow accumulation the next. The advantage of potted flowers and herbs: They can be showcased by day and protected indoors at night.
Everyone has their potting preference. For BZS, terra cotta is our favorite. It provides a natural, seasonless and timeless option. We love the warmth of the color and the texture of the clay. But even better than terra cotta? Vintage terra cotta … dusty, dirty, pitted, scaly, mineral-deposited terra cotta. The kind you find behind old barns. The kind that’s aged to perfection from decades of use.
“But you don’t have to wait years to get that vintage look. You only need an afternoon and a few simple materials”
But you don’t have to wait years to get that vintage look. You only need an afternoon and a few simple materials:
1. Your favorite pots
2. A bag of potters lime
3. Water
4. Brush
5. Sand paper
6. Can of clear sealant
The process
The process is simple:
1. Any terra cotta pot will do … the dirtier the better.
2. Mix a cup of potter’s lime with a cup of water.
3. Let the mixture stand to slightly thicken.
4. Brush the paste onto the pots in varied thicknesses.
5. Let dry for a couple of hours.
6. Lightly sand each pot, making sure to remove dried lime unevenly. Sanding the edges looks especially vintage.
7. Spray with a matte, clear sealer.
8. Let dry.
The final step is a labor of love. Pot your favorite herb or flower and let it grace front porch or back deck alike.
