Carlton Hobbs Weblog: How does your jardin grow?

December 4 2009, 10:14am

Deriving from the French word jardin, meaning garden, the jardinière is a stand or container for flower pots, used to decoratively and discreetly incorporate plants into an interior. Jardinières were first used in 18th century France. The idea spread to England soon after 1750, and then to the Americas in the 19th century. Designed to fit harmoniously into their respective interiors, jardinières were constructed in all shapes and sizes, and made from a variety of materials including wood, marble, ceramic and metal. To protect the piece, liners of copper, zinc, or lead were often fitted within.