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Statement pots: How to create the perfect cluster

It doesn’t feel like that long ago that the plant pot scene was rather dire. Sometimes it felt like the only option was terracotta (which as a colour is back in vogue), but that has changed enormously over the last five years with the variety and quality of pots now at unprecedented levels. Much more of a feature these days, from monochrome to terrazzo, brightly emblazoned or sculptural, the latest pots are far more decorative and as such, people are prepared to invest in them. 

The Balcony Garden

Started by Josh Harrison in 2006, The Balcony Garden is a purveyor of stylish, modern pots; the business emerging when Josh saw a hole in the Australian market for well-designed pots. While there are two showrooms (one in Sydney and one in Melbourne), the busy online business offers fast shipping Australia wide – it’s free to NSW, VIC, QLD and the ACT.

“Often times we see our customers using the pots as standalone pieces without actually including plants,” says Josh which is testament to how far the pot scene has come and also speaks to the appeal of a beautifully designed statement pot.

The Balcony Garden

A landscape designer by trade, Josh is also a very useful source when it comes to pot styling and today, he shares with us his thoughts on how to create the perfect pot cluster. From what pots go together to what plants suit which pot, Josh is a wealth of knowledge on the topic.

Three is the magic number
Even numbers create symmetry, while odd numbers create interest. Creating interest should be at the core of any great pot cluster. A pot cluster of three forces the eye to look around and take in each individual pot and plant combination.

The Balcony Garden

Tall & short
In addition to grouping pots in threes, another great idea is creating interest by staggering the heights of the pots. Not only do the different heights create interest, but they also showcase each of the plants. A staggered cluster of pots will also provide you with the opportunity to use plants with different heights as well. 

The Balcony Garden
“We designed our LOOB pots specifically to be used as a three-pot cluster,” says Josh.

To mix & match? Or not?
Different pots or planters can be used in the same cluster, but we recommend using the same colour.  Using different shapes is a great way to create staggered heights within the pot cluster. Mixing different colours is a bit trickier, which is why we suggest sticking to the one colour and will ensure your pot cluster is looking the goods.

The Balcony Garden

Plants
When it comes to mixing plants, there are no rules.  You can use the same plant in each pot or mix it up and use a different plant in each pot. The possibilities are endless!

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Decorating 101 Expert Tips Homewares

Houseplants 101: what’s in vogue & how to keep them thriving

We all know house plants are in fashion right now, but unlike other decor, some work and skills are involved in keeping these green beauties alive and thriving! We asked Alana Langan, one half of super stylish Melbourne plant pot and holder brand IVY MUSE, to share her advice.

Throughout our time spent caring for plants we’ve learnt there’s one major key to keeping them thriving; paying attention to them. Check in on your plants every couple of days and keep abreast of what’s happening with them; are there signs of new growth, distress, soil dryness etc? We’ve found that this valuable check-in time means you can identify any potential issues and act quickly before they damage your plant beyond repair.

What’s trendy?

In vogue right now is the Monstera Obliqua (otherwise known as the Swiss Cheese Vine). It’s a beautiful, bizarre-leafed plant that really comes into its own when it can cascade off a fireplace mantle or shelf. We often get asked what’s in vogue as the the Fiddle Leaf Fig definitely had its five minutes of fame a few years back. In saying that though, we’re still very much a fan of this beautiful tree; it’s eye-catching and is a fast-growing, rewarding plant that cuts a striking pose. As an alternative, you could try an Umbrella Tree (Schefflera Amate) which is a little easier to care for but still has a big, bold appearance. It’s one of our current favourites!

How to match your plant with a pot/stand

Plant stands really do what their name suggests; they give your plant height, but their magic really lies in their ability to transform the humble plant into a statement decorative piece for the home. Plant stands suit a variety of spaces. Their use is mostly guided by the plants they support and how you’d like to use them. If you need to brighten a small, dull corner, a plant stand with a hardy plant like a Sansevieria or Cast Iron Plant will do the trick well. Or for more of a feature in a larger, brighter spot, team your shorter stand with a large lightweight pot and a Spath Sensation for a maximum effect.

Where to source plants

Your local nursery or plant shop are is a great starting point to source your plants. If you’re in Melbourne, we sell plants as well as pots and stands at our IVY MUSE Botanical Emporium! More and more we’re seeing hardware stores, big retailers and supermarkets carrying plants but be careful, they’re not always the best quality.

Think outside the box

Bathrooms are an often overlooked place in the house when it comes to displaying plants. If you’re keen on creating a jungle-like vibe, think outside the box. Bathrooms tend to be small with less space on the floor so don’t forget to consider utilising the vertical space above with hanging planters and/or creeping vines. Plant hangers can be effective used singularly, or if space allows, in a pair or trio with long cascading plants for full effect.

The holistic benefits of plants at home

Apart from the obvious fact that greenery is beautiful and can improve the look and feel of a home on so many levels, studies have shown plants can offer us many benefits including cleaner air and decreased stress levels, plus they can also help boost our creativity and memory retention. Not only beneficial on an aesthetic level, caring for plants can be a rewarding and long-standing endeavour that enriches our life. As well as offering time for solitude and quiet contemplation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, keeping plants can be a fun, shared experience. We often spend time tending to our indoor garden with our young children and love to see their excitement at watering the plants or witnessing the unfurling of a new leaf.

Find out more about IVY MUSE and shop online.

The IVY MUSE Botanical Emporium is located at  1250 High Street, Armadale, VIC 3143. Tel: 03 9939 0228.

All images are of IVY MUSE’s Autumn Winter 2017 Collection, Sanctuary, released this week. 

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Homewares

Ivy Muse evolve stylish third collection beyond plant stands

IVY MUSE have launched Calypso, their third collection of limited edition plant stands and botanical wares, featuring seven brand new Melbourne­-designed and made products. With the trend for houseplants definitely still on the rise, we think these are fantastic! And the range has now evolved far beyond the plant stand, allowing you to make a real statement with your greenery at home.

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There are four brand new plant stands, each available in black and white as well as a limited edition colour unique to that design: Harlequin ​(Sage)​, Daisy ​(Summer Yellow)​, Button ​(Sky Blue) and Chameleon ​(copper plated​). The Chameleon is also available in small and medium.

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This collection also sees the release of handmade ceramic table tops enabling you to turn any ​IVY MUSE ​short plant stand into a side table or plant platform (or both!). Clever!

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Also new to the lineup is the plant shelf (my favourite). Made from Victorian Ash and powdercoated steel, it offers flexible options for use as it can be easily flipped so the pot plant sits to the right or left. It comes with a handmade porcelain pot and features grooves for displaying art. That’s great design for you: good looking and useful.

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To further celebrate their third collection, ​IVY MUSE​ have collaborated with Sydney­-based Design Twins​ on a hand­-painted lightweight concrete pot. The Harlequin is available in grey and green and available exclusively through ​IVY MUSE​ and ​Design Twins​.

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IVY MUSE also commissioned Victorian ceramicist ​Ana Maria Jensen to produce an exclusive range of hand­made limited edition pots to complement the ​Calypso range. Wheel-­thrown from iron­-bearing stoneware, each pot has been combined with unique glazes to allow the clay to gently reveal its natural character. Available in Summer Yellow, Matt Black and Pearl Green.

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The brand is the brainchild of longtime friends Jacqui Vidal and Alana Langan. Jacqui, founder of art retailer Signed & Numbered, together with Alana, an interior stylist and owner of online boutique ​Hunt & Bow, ​launched the business with a mission to produce beautiful, functional stands that allow people to get creative with their greenery.

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Designed by Jacqui and Alana, the stands are made from steel ­ for durability and strength ­ then powder­coated or copper­-plated to add beautiful colour and a perfect finish. They are made from start to finish in Melbourne.

IVY MUSE botanical wares can be purchased directly via ​www.ivymuse.com.au or from over 30 stockists across Australia.

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Homewares

Herb planters made from scrap boat sails in New York

One moment I think I’ve seen every type of planter or terrarium there is out there, and then the next, I’m finding something so cool, that it would be remiss not to write about!

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Introducing the Nomad portable herb planter by The Garden Apartment; a collaboration between Australian Stella Lee Prowse and Swiss Miriam Josi. Both product designers, they met during their time at Parsons The New York School For Design and not too long after, The Garden Apartment was born!

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Miriam and Stella

Made from folded fabric, the design is perfect for urban environments with limited space for plants. Able to hang from a rope or sit on the coffee table, it can be kept close to the window for more sunlight or just plant one side and hang it on the wall to create a vertical garden.

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Made from scrap boat sails and boat covers, the materials are locally sourced from the post production waste of sailmakers in the Bronx, New York. Some of the materials are sailcloth from the 80s that isn’t up to par with today’s sailing industry.

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The form is made out of a fabric rectangle, folded into a double-sided pot and stamped with an eyelet. There is a gap between the two layers allowing the soil to breathe and drain. The design is reduced to its essential structural elements creating an efficient manufacturing process that all takes place in New York.

Nomad costs US$32 and ships to Australia for US$10. For more information.