Envision Architectural Stories with Container Gardens
Gardener and educator Erin Schanen's work captures the potential for elevated outdoor landscapes with a down-to-earth approach. As the creative force behind the Instagram following and blog called “The Impatient Gardener,” Erin shares her talent for connecting people and places through a curated selection of seasonal flora.
Erin's inspirational projects celebrate quality craftsmanship that lasts season after season in a Midwest climate. In a recent transformation of her Circle Garden, she chose a curved Country Casual Teak bench to complement a combination of ground-covering plants and finely textured grass. The Circa curved teak bench "offers a place to sit within the garden, not looking out at it," Erin says.
When the focal point is instead a waterfront view or surrounding scenery, Erin says a subdued look can be achieved with container plantings, elevated by the versatility of teak. Whether filled with traditional annuals, tropical accents or seasonal shrubs, her teak containers become both dynamic and expressive.
STUDIO RECTANGULAR TEAK PLANTER
"There's a vibe that comes with teak, and it's more flexible than other materials," Erin says. Anchor pieces, like the Studio square teak planter that Erin chose, can ground a space. With clean lines and enduring materials, this planter becomes a living sculpture. A well-proportioned container becomes part of the architectural story: a piece of the home itself.
STUDIO LARGE SQUARE TEAK PLANTER
CIRCA TEAK CURVED BENCH
At the heart of Erin's work is a deep reverence for nature and how essential it is for people to connect with the outdoors. Rather than demanding attention, her work invites appreciation for the wonder of ever-changing gardens.
For those who envision their own elevated outdoor experience, Erin recommends starting with container planting. "If you invest in a container that's going to last forever, particularly teak," she says, "it's one and done.”
