We like how something as simple as rosemary in a terra cotta planter can make a strong impact when grouped in a bunch. For anyone out there with a similar, difficult-to-do-much-of-anything-with entryway, we think this is a great idea.

The patina and shape of the planters have something to do with the appeal (we wish we had a source - anyone out there know of one?), but it's also just how they're grouped in a line, leading the eye straight up to the front door; it makes the house feel more inviting, which can be difficult to pull off when your entrance is so far up from the street.

Comments (10)
Are they about an inch thick with no bottom?
If so, they are chimney flues.
Or possibly, underground drainage "tiles".
ohhhh to have that much rosemary!!!
Looks great and no doubt smells wonderful, but I am amazed they haven't been stolen (yet).
I bet the rest of that garden is stunning.
Honestly I thought those were lavender, not rosemary plants. Rosemary tends to be shiny green, and these plants have dusty grey green leaves -- not that it matters in any way other than that lavender makes a nice alternative to rosemary.
lavender:
http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/lavlantana.htm
rosemary:
http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Rosm_off.html
rosemary
klmg924, I agree that it's lavender and not rosemary. I clicked comments to post the exact same thing.
Me too... :-)
chimney flues- smart!
nice looking containers are usually so expensive!
Hey! Check this site out if you like those planters.
http://www.superiorclay.com/flue-liners.php
Apparently the chimney flue industry has been thinking outside of the box! There's a few cool things on their site.
Also, chimney flues can be cut down easily with a large diamond blade grinder saw.
I live half a block down the street from this house and have always admired the visually transparent and planter-adorned stairs up to the main entrance. Seen side-by-side with the adjoining properties, this building is also a terrific argument for San Francisco's new reluctance to authorize the construction of parking garages in front of historic buildings.