Stylish planters display spring blooms with flair

Last week, my mom brought home bags upon bags of tulip bulbs. She admitted that it isn't the right time to plant them, but they were on sale so she bought a bazillion of them. Spring has a way of inspiring green thumbs, and even inexperienced gardeners find themselves yearning to nurture nature.

So with gardening on my mind, I went in search of stylish pots that would contain my spring blooms with flair. I specifically looked for bright white pots that would give a little relief from Seattle's persistent gray days. Below are a few of my favorites.

Rectangle Terra Lines Pottery
This rectangular collection is a refreshing deviation from traditional (and ubiquitous) rounded pottery. Available in three sizes, the pots are terra-cotta covered with a rustic ivory glaze. Sturdy and small enough to fit on a kitchen counter, they're just right for apartment-dwellers with limited garden space. $6-$12 at Basic Green Box in West Seattle.

GroBal Self-Watering Pot
No green thumb? No problem. Designer Karin Rashid has created the ultimate planter for the gardening novice. The smooth, round container has two chambers. Soil goes in the top and water and nutrients sit in the bottom reservoir. It's utterly low-maintenance -- all you do is refill the water when the level falls below the indicator. Easy! $24.99 at Velocity Art and Design in South Lake Union.

Bullet Planter
I can picture this contemporary planter at a condo in outer space -- or at least the Jetsons' version of outer space. Bullet planters were originally manufactured in the 1950s, and this version looks both vintage and futuristic. The egg-shaped pot is made from compression-molded fiberglass and sits atop a skinny steel tripod base. $155-$165 at Design Within Reach downtown.

Vessel Architectural Pottery Pineapple Planter
Art meets utility in this stark white planter from designer David Cressey. Escher-style geometric cuts result in a pineapplelike texture that evokes warm breezes and palm trees without the slightest bit of color. The downside: The planter will cost you as much as a tropical vacation. $1,495 at Velocity Art and Design.

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