Boskke: Urban Sky Garden

Sky Planter
In hopes of contributing to the growing urban gardening movement, designer Patrick Morris has launched the Boskke Sky Planter, an interesting take on conventional gardening products. bosske-sky-planter-005 The product has two main objectives: one, to encourage a living environment with plants, which increases oxygen and filters air, and two, to provide “evolved gardening gear” with reference to urban interior design. The name “Boskke” is both catchy and significant, as it means “small forest” in Old English. boskke-sky-planter-003 What is unique about this planter is that plants are hung upside down. An innovative ceramic locking disc holds the soil and plant in place, while a ceramic collar fits around the stem of the plant and connects to the planter body with small tabs. A plastic mesh is also included as an additional precaution to any falling soil. boskke-sky-planter-002 Users have mentioned that in the first little while of using the planter, a small amount of soil will fall out, but like breaking in a new pair of shoes, the soil will quickly compact and stabilize. To water the plants, a porous ceramic reservoir connects to the soil at the top of the planter. Water is gradually released into the soil by diffusion. This allows the reservoir system to conserve water and efficiently hydrate the plant’s roots. boskke-sky-planter.004 One backlash for this product is that the plants tend to grow in the direction of the sun, making the product appear awkward when hung up. Others have defended this product, mentioning that the different growth positions give the plant flair and style. boskke-sky-planter-001 Flair and style is certainly a design factor that can appeal to users, and it helps add a creative touch to the product overall. From what I know, upside-down plants will grow as normally as they do the right way up. This just goes to show that innovation can be as simple as turning ideas on their head. Video: