THE GLASS COLLECTOR: Indoor Gardening

For several years now, I've been noticing the abundance of vintage glassware on the treasure trove shelves of Charity Shops. I'm normally drawn in by the lure of secondhand books and multi-million dollar movies on DVD to be had for as little as 5 for a £1. There's something very naughty about watching a blockbuster that cost 40 million to make for just 20p. Yesteryear's glassware is often overlooked, but if you take the time to explore, there are still pieces with plenty of sparkle. But what do you do with it? One use I've found for the plethora of inexpensive cut and pressed glass fruit bowls that for decades adorned the center of various tables and sideboards, is to use them as planters.

I guess you could say it all started with the purchase of the vase below. I knew instantly when buying it (for the princely sum of £1) that it was old with its very obvious Art Deco design. A bit of research online told me that it was called 'Greta,' designed and produced by the German glass manufacturer Walther & Sohne in 1934. Perhaps a poor man's Lalique as it was mass produced in a range of colours, but it is still and unusual, attractive vase. These exchange hands today from anything between £25 - £75.

I haven't been able to trace this one below, maybe it is modern, but it is of similar manufacture to the 'Greta' - pressed glass, part frosted. Squat and with a very wide neck, it is perfect for hyacinths and other bulbs.

I have several others in the works (mainly bowls) in the Summerhouse, planted with an assortment of seasonal bulbs (Blue, Dutch Irises, White Allium neapolitanums, Snowdrops, etc. The idea is to have a selection of table centrepieces to be rotated as they grow & bloom by season. Much more ECO friendly than cut flowers, the beauty of it (apart from the attractive, inexpensive glassware) is not having to watch it being devoured by slugs and snails. Please note that some plants are toxic (Lilies, especially) so always check before planting indoors if you have pets.