Pottery

POTTERY at HORNBAKERS?
For years, we have wanted to carry a line of pottery for garden and home. We have checked out lines of pottery at the trade shows and with various suppliers that sell primarily to garden centers. Some of it was nice, but not different or unique enough to bother with.

From some good friends that we made through the American Hosta Society, we learned of a source of outstanding pottery that comes from a particular kiln in Asia. This kiln is known as a dragon or snake kiln. It is around 200 feet long, and is built on the slope of a hill. Once the kiln is loaded with hand made pots of all sizes and shapes, a fire is built in the lowest end of the kiln, and the heat sweeps up through the length of the kiln. The result is a unique, rustic line of pottery that we really fell in love with.

Due to the relatively primitive way that these pots are produced, no two are quite the same. We visited the importer’s warehouse yard, and were very impressed with her taste. We hardly saw anything that we didn’t want to buy, and we bought way more than we had anticipated that we might want to buy. The great thing, given the uniqueness of these pieces, was that we were able to walk around and label the exact pots that we wanted.

This line of pottery is freeze proof, meaning that the pots should be all right outside over the winter, provided that drainage holes allow water to drain out. Some come with drainage holes already, but many do not, since some people will want to make fountains, or otherwise hold moisture inside the pot. A masonry bit can be used to add drainage holes.

Some of the pots are quite large, and will make an artistic statement in the garden all by themselves. Others can be used as planters, troughs, or fountains. Some will make great holders for grass bouquets.