Dress Up Your Eichler Atrium

The cooler temperatures of autumn and winter don’t mean an end to gardening.  Just move your plants and planters into the atrium!  With the exception of our New York Eichler friends, most of us Eichler dwellers live in a temperate enough climate that the atrium will protect all but the most persnickety of plants from the harsh winds and temps of Old Man Winter.  Best of all, you can do your atrium gardening in planters which can me moved to the patio or pool area when summer rolls around.

I think that I’ve mentioned before that I’m partial to air plants, which the botanists among you would call Tillandsia.  I’ve got them on my patio – and I think they would make a perfect addition to any atrium as well.  My go-to nursery for exotic plants or atrium/patio accessories is Flora Grubb Gardens – an incredibly amazing gardener’s paradise.  From wall bubbles and hanging globes to every sort of succulent, Tillandsia, and beyond; Flora Grubb is a store of endless wonder!

I’m also intrigued by the Sky Planter by boskke.  By hanging plants upside down, it makes a great conversation piece for the atrium or patio.  Boskke promises that the Sky Planter is dripless – so, theoretically, you could even hang a few inside the house without fear of water damage. 

Modernica is another company that has some interesting planters, including the Case Study Ceramic Cylinder, which is a sophisticated take on the classically retro Bullet Planter.  For some unique, if a bit pricey, planters, I love Architectural Pottery.  They have some truly beautiful original-design planters and atrium/patio accessories that will add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

As the days grow shorter and we move indoors for the next few months, pull on your gardening gloves and dress up your atrium.  For a few more ideas on “landscaping” your Eichler atrium, don’t forget to take a look at our Eichler Atriums & Courtyards page.