Comments on: But what’s wrong with plastic swan garden planters?

By: Gabrielle Marsden

Gabrielle Marsden — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:58:28 +0000

I have a swan planter and am quite proud of it. Mine is filled with live plants and has received a few complements, but I live in Pittsburgh.

Actually, I stumbled on this as I was looking for some sort of other cheesy planter. I guess it’s hard to surpass the swan.

By: Andrea Bellamy

Andrea Bellamy — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:37:09 +0000

Kevin – I agree – this garden brings a smile to everyone’s face. And I can see how the kids must love it!

Thystle – Lila takes the heat for a lot these days ;) You’re right – having a child completely changes your perspective on everything!

By: Thystle

Thystle — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:31:08 +0000

I would blame it on the baby and run with it. Thank goodness for my son; he gave me permission to change my thoughts on so many things and become a totally different person – um, yeah, its the mommy hormones. Growing as person…growing in the garden – it’s all good! I’m looking forward to any changes.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:51:43 +0000

I can’t believe I am about to write in defence of this garden .. although I think it could be one of my neighbours! In East Van there seem to be as many of these type, where the owner has eschewed artful modern design and carefully coordinate bloom times for putting a plastic monkey in the monkey-puzzle tree.

Anyway, my point is, when I pass one like this with my almost-three-year-old twins, they love it and we have to stop and talk about gardens for a bit.. it all feeds into my plan to raise them as little urban gardeners.

Thanks for the photo!

By: Andrea Bellamy

Andrea Bellamy — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:45:33 +0000

Laurel – Oh, I hate fake plants, too! I just don’t get it.

Nancy – so true.

PlantingOaks – good point. They’re often accompanied by dead plants, aren’t they? And yes, the pictured garden was created with vision and purpose. :)

Lisa – thanks! We happened to see it when we went to the Avalon Dairy open house thing earlier this month.

By: Lisa MacAulay

Lisa MacAulay — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:05:35 +0000

Oh that plastic swan garden is so so funny, love the pic!

By: PlantingOaks

PlantingOaks — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:30:44 +0000

I think the real problem with plastic swan planters (and the like) is people plop them down without thought or attention. ‘hmm, this looks like the cheapest, easiest way I could possibly get something resembling a garden – which is something I’m socially obligated to have’ and then leave them to mildew with dead plants in them.

The pictured garden is clean, maintained, and purposeful. Someone really thought ‘these plastic things are *exactly* the right stuff to make my yard just the way I want it’. So you’re right, more power to them.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:13:14 +0000

I do believe anything that over the top is either a statement, or simply enjoys a quirky (and harmless) passion for collecting white plastc planters, arches… If it makes them happy, like you, I may give a mental wince, and a cheery “more power to you!” to the gardener.

By: Laurel

Laurel — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:26:29 +0000

Hehe. I think that we all have our pet peeves, and we’ll probably make snarky comments about it ;)

One of my personal ones when it comes to the realm pf gardening is fake plants. There are few people in my neighbourhood who put them in their gardens and on their balconies. *grrr*