Potted plants aren't just for inside the home. We love seeing people use them for outside spaces too, especially in non-suburban areas, where green leafy things are more of a rarity. This particular home in Hayes Valley is one of our favorite examples of expanding your potted garden out from your private space into public space. We like to think of it as city beautification.






I love seeing potted plants around homes, but the OCD side of me hates looking at mismatched pots! Plastic hanging pots from the nursery mixed with terracotta mixed with several different glazed pots mixed with wooden planters make an eyesore to me. If you just stick to inexpensive terracotta or all wood wine barrels as one of the pics above, it creates so much more visual harmony.
The thrifty/waste conscious side of me disagrees with the OCD side if that makes anyone feel better...
view LilyC's profile
I go back and forth about potted plants both on the inside and the outside of my house. I used to have allot of them on the outside due to the fact that I never had an entire yard to plant all to myself and inside because I liked a full and vibrant space. Over the years my collection has diminished because my design taste has become more pared down and minimal and because sometimes they seem, well, dirty. I currently have two plants on either side of my front door and that is enough for me. However, I enjoy a visit to a home like the one pictured above.
view d-love's profile
Love the way the chair is close to the steps which are close to the sidewalk which might mean that neighbours actually interact.
view Bo Placebo's profile
Really love the pots on the sidewalk but the ones near the door are just a little too messy and mismatched for me. It still says warm and inviting, though!
view oakland's profile
These are a bit hippy for me, but green plants are better than bare concrete.
view wig3000's profile
What a wonderful translation of the warmth of these people. Even if it's messy, it says something about the importance of being open to strangers and neighbors.
view Lyesmith's profile
What a lovely place to come home to after a day of work. I don't see plants as being messy or dirty...ever!!! We barricade ourselves from nature too much as it is.
view eekns's profile
I love the mismatched pots look. I find it romantic.
view Very Miao's profile
I think it looks great! Mismatched planters might bother me indoors, but I think it's fine outside.
view jamiealyse's profile
I'm pretty sure people who steal plants don't go very far in life. :)
view fabulissime's profile
these plants look miserable. some look like they are trying to break free from their ugly containers while others look like they have given up the fight altogether.
view Seaside's profile
visitors - especially tall ones - would have to always duck on upon entering or leaving
view little flower's profile
A pox on potted plant thieves!!! It's akin to stealing a person's pet in my book.
view Vincent B.'s profile
SO, SO inviting!
view xieta's profile