Are you interested in creating a beautiful garden setting for your home? One way to accomplish this is through the use of beautiful, hand cast Italian pottery.
Italian pottery is most often made from terra cotta clay or ceramic and is thought by many to be the best in the world. In fact, terra cotta means “baked earth” in Italian. Only the finest clay and the best firing techniques are used. This insures that your planter, pot, urn or other decorative item will retain its beauty and last longer than a less expensive item made in Mexico or China.
How to care for your Italian pottery
For those items that are to be used in the garden, it is a good idea to store them indoors during the winter months. At the very least, place them in a covered and protected area because freezing temperatures can result in cracks and discoloring. If you live in an area with mild winters, raising the planters a few inches off the ground and/or wrapping them with bubble wrap during the coldest months can help prevent any damage from the changing temperatures.
Before storing your pots, clean them with a mild detergent and scrub brush to remove any lime or algae buildup and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away for the winter. Even the best clay can break or crack so avoid stacking your items inside each other as they may break when it comes time to use them again.
How to use Italian pottery
There are many ways to use and display these beautiful pieces in and around your home.
• Group a collection of containers on a stair way, front porch or other area in your garden. Use different sizes and shapes for interest; place flowers in some and leave others empty to create a beautiful still life.
• Choose pottery with designs and colors that coordinate with your home’s architecture and/or interior design.
• Italian pottery pieces are just as beautiful when used indoors. Group a collection in front of your fireplace or on a bookshelf to add color and interest. Use a small pot as a utensil holder in the kitchen or to hold pencils on your desk.
Your Italian pottery pieces will add a touch of world travelled sophistication wherever you choose to display them and, with proper care you can enjoy these beautiful pieces for many years to come.
