veryone 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.
THE ART OF AGING POTS
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.
“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 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.