How to choose the perfect jar for interior and exterior use
Jars and containers for herbs have a far greater role than just "holding the plant". In landscape and interior design they are both a functional and aesthetic element. Jars make it possible to bring greenery into spaces where planting in the ground is not possible, but also strongly influence the experience of space through volume, proportions, texture and material.
In this guide, we provide key guidelines for choosing the perfect jar, whether for the interior, terrace or garden.
Anđelka Rubeša, mag.ing.hort., Studio Geoponica
The difference between vases, jars and planters
The names of containers often depend on the region, but in practice the difference is clear. Vases are most often intended for cut flowers, jars are containers in which herbs are planted, while jardinieres are mostly square containers intended for planting multiple plants. In everyday speech, especially in the Primorje region, the names often overlap, but when planning a space it is important to understand their functional purpose.
Jars as a design element of space
In the context of interior and exterior decoration, jars have a dual role. They enable the introduction of vegetation into the space, but at the same time act as a design element that defines the ambience. In certain compositions, the container does not necessarily have to contain a plant, but can also function as an independent, sculptural element that makes the space more interesting and layered.
An example from practice, Villa Alma
How to choose a jar according to space and method of use
Choosing containers always starts with a space analysis. The size, number and arrangement of the jars should follow the scale of the environment and the rhythm of movement, without interfering with daily activities. It is equally important to check whether the container is intended for indoor or outdoor use, especially in the context of resistance to UV radiation and low temperatures.
The drainage method is a key technical element. In the interior, it is necessary to prevent water from leaking and ensure that excess water is retained within the container or tray. In the exterior, excess water can be drained in a controlled manner through holes in the bottom, with the use of legs or spacers to ensure quality drainage and prevent moisture retention.
Practical example, Meneghetti Garden
Planting plants in jars – volume, position and material
When planting plants in jars, the position must meet the basic growing conditions for the selected plant species, while the volume of the container should correspond to its planned size and growth. The material of the container is chosen in relation to the design of the space, as well as the microclimate conditions.
Plastic pots can fade over time, unglazed terracotta can crack at low temperatures, while metal pots heat up strongly in the sun and put additional stress on the plant's roots.
This is why composite materials that retain the appearance of stone or concrete and are lighter and more resistant are increasingly being used today.
Practical example, Meneghetti Winery
Shape, maintenance and modern solutions
The shape of the container directly affects the maintenance and health of the plant. The most practical solutions are those with an opening equal to or larger than the body of the container, as they allow for better gas exchange in the substrate and more controlled drainage. Narrow openings can make maintenance difficult and create unfavorable conditions in the root zone.
Cylindrical and square shapes are often used in compositions for ease of arrangement, but jars can also be a strong accent that guides the eye through the space, highlighting the entrance, terrace or garden views. In contemporary solutions, more and more attention is being paid to the multifunctionality of containers, which, with additional elements, can be transformed into fountains, tables, seating elements or firepits, while micro-irrigation is a logical addition for a stable appearance and easier maintenance, especially during periods of absence.
How to make a good decision when choosing a jar
When choosing a jar, start with the existing space: its proportions, materials and how it will be used. Then check the technical characteristics – whether the container is intended for interior or exterior use, what kind of drainage, weight and resistance of the material to sun and cold. And be brave: a quality jar with a strong character can be like a good piece of furniture – a long-term investment that gives the space its identity.
Jars in practice – TV report
The topic of selecting and planting plants in pots was also presented in the television show Coordination,, which shows the practical part of the work and the details that make a difference in the long run. You can watch the TV clip below.