19th century drawing of a jardinière
Source: picture alliance // Heritage Images
Jardinières or Jardinièren, in German one would say flower boxes or flower stands, were very popular in the 19th century, especially in the Belle Époque.
This refers to ornamental vessels with an insert tub for planting, for example to crown the center of the table with a triumphant table bed for festivities.
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In the form of narrow, long flower boxes on curved or delicate, high legs, they also served as free-standing room decor, for example in front of a window or next to a sofa or armchair, and also practically as an ashtray.
Or a discreet hiding place for something that suddenly disturbs a guest during a conversation (chewing gum, cell phone, braces).
Bed on legs by Design House Stockholm
Source: ambientedirect.com
There were already the strangest things that could be found in the jardines of elegant houses or castles, not always to the delight of a host: from secret love letters to nylon stockings to knives or wedding rings!
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Jardinières were, so to speak, the more elegant version of the potted plant, to bring in a little nature from outside, especially in the barren winter months.
That is one of the reasons why many are rediscovering them.
Cut flowers in a vase wither quickly, and constantly giving yourself new bouquets in these times also costs money.
Hydrangeas, hyacinths and African violets, on the other hand, Buchs of course, and herbs such as rosemary or sage planted in a small bed of earth last for a long time, the eye is delighted and gardeners not only have something to dig, pluck and weed in winter, but also their garden
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in the house - or at least an inkling of it.
There are various auction houses that offer both antique and modern containers.
Ikea has also taken on the topic with cheaper options.
Table garden from Ferm Living
Source: nordicnest.de
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By the way, anyone looking for a garden shouldn't google for “table gardens”, this is more the Japanese Zen variant.
And the gardens, as they are meant here, can and should bloom lush and scruffy.
By the way, dill is also great as a planting.
Not only does it look beautiful, it also smells so wonderful and also acts as an aromatizer, healthier than perfumed candles or synthetic room sprays.
On top of that, you can even eat it.
So it does not collect dust like a rubber tree, but dispose of itself in the most enjoyable way.
Jardinière from 1878 made of bronze
Source: picture alliance / Liszt Collection
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