Adding this row of plants to my bathroom window has really livened up the space. There is, however, one problem: a big gust of wind scatters loose soil on the window sill and into the bathtub below. That means it's time to rock out!
While soaking up the sun on a lake front beach over the long weekend, I collected a little container full of rocks. Back at home I spread the rocks around the base of the plants, covering the soil. Not only do the rocks protect the soil from gusty breezes, they also add a finishing touch to the plants. Whereas the loose soil was so dark and blah, the rocks add visual impact to the pots and bring lightness to the base of the plants.
As an added bonus, because I collected the rocks on a restful day the beach, every time I look at them they remind me of relaxing good times.
Images: Jason Loper
5 Online Services to Save Yourself a Trip to IKEA
Nikki’s Sweet and Cheery Print Studio
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Sprout Side Table
5 Things Paris Taught Me About Travel
Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes
Can you please share where to find the spike plants? I can't find them at my local Home Depot/Lowes.
i do this to all my plants. it makes them look cleaner.
Plus, pets who like to dig up the dirt in planters are thwarted by those large river rocks (2-3") used for landscaping. It's the only way we can keep our houseplants alive.
What a lovely and pretty idea!
My dog is a dirt eater, the big rocks keep her out of the plants.
so timely, as i just cleaned cat poo out of one of my plants yesterday. bad kitty! :(
Most of my houseplants are in white pots. I put white granite chips in all of them and it makes the green stand out so much and brightens everything up.
I like this idea.
The “spiky plants” are called dracaena and they should be available anywhere. I found mine at Walmart. If you can’t find something at a big garden center, bug the guy with the water hose. He’s been staring at those plants for days and probably knows where what you are looking for is located. For the dracaena, try inside with the houseplants.
Top dressing also slows evaporation. Bits of bark also can work well.
I bought some colored rocks,like the type that go in aquariums, to put in the pot of my plants on my patio.