Pebbled Pots and Planters

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Photography by Gloria Nicol

The art of pebble mosaics has a long history and some of its ancient methods and traditions are still used today. For example, contemporary pavements and terraces in Greece echo and imitate those of the ancient world; in fact the same kinds of smooth, uncut colored pebbles can still be found. Certain kinds of vernacular architecture are characterized by the type of stone or pebble used—the nearer the sea, the more likely you are to find sea-washed cobbles, while further inland local stones dug out of the earth, such as flints, may be used for their decorative qualities.

You can collect stones, pebbles, or shells from the countryside, but don’t take too many and be aware of the environmental effect. With the growing interest in garden design it is now possible to buy inexpensive bags of pebbles in many colors, sizes, textures, and forms. Contrast these properties to enhance your design—rough against smooth, dark against light, large against small. Shells also work beautifully with pebbles, as do broken china and flowerpots. Few tools are required and there are no specialized techniques. Simply follow the cement mix recipes exactly for the best results. For all outdoor projects, make sure you use exterior waterproof and frostproof cement or grout. This is generally of professional standard and the type used for tiling swimming pool interiors.

TEXT AND IMAGES ADAPTED WITH PERMISSION FROM PEBBLE MOSAICS (FIREFLY, 2002). DEBORAH SCHNEEBELI-MORRELl

Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell is an award-winning artist who has appeared on radio and television and is the author of several craft books.

GLORIA NICOL

Gloria Nicol is a professional photographer and writer who has collaborated with Schneebeli-Morrell on many projects.

Striped planter

A simple, slightly tapered terra cotta pot has been transformed into a striking planter that could be the focal point of a hot and dry planting scheme. The clean lines of the black and white pebble stripes work particularly well with the strong shapes of sun-loving plants such as Agave, Echiveria, or Sedum, lending a Mediterranean feel to your garden. Try decorating other planters and pots in a similar way, perhaps using a slightly different pattern to make an interesting collection to liven up your sunny terrace or patio.

Waterproof and frostproof gray cement has been used for the black pebbles and white cement used for the white ones. Although a little more time-consuming, it is well worth using the two colors as it enhances the black and white contrast. The rim of the pot has been finished with a row of black pebbles that cleverly hide the terra cotta beneath.

Materials

Tall terra cotta pot 14 inches high with a top diameter of 11 inches
Piece of white chalk
250 to 300 black pebbles no more than 3/4 inch in diameter (quantity used depends on the size of the pebbles)
250 to 300 white pebbles of a similar size (quantity used depends on the size of the pebbles)
Gray waterproof and frostproof cement-based adhesive
White waterproof and frostproof cement-based adhesive
Old pointed kitchen knife
Containers for cement