There’s just something cool about X’s: X-rays, X-Men, X Prizes, the heroic X-wing fighter. Is it the subliminal guarantee of structural integrity? The titillating mark of a missive-ending kiss? Whatever the association, an X motif looks as good in a modest backyard as in the cross-bracing of the Eiffel Tower. Following are ten of our favorite garden containers that put the “X” in “planter box.”
Above: Deborah Silver designed her Branch Jackie Boxes with oversized buttons, an homage to Oleg Cassini’s suits for Jacqueline Kennedy. Shown at 21 inches square, in cold rolled steel with squashed ball feet, they're $1,500 each from Detroit Garden Works.
Above: Ore Inc. produces the X Pomo Cube in a variety of materials and finishes. This one is oxidized zinc on aluminum; it is 27 inches square and $1,295. For more information, see Ore Inc.
Above: The Napoli Cube Planter looks like weathered clay but is made of fiberglass resin and crushed terra cotta. In three sizes starting at 14 inches square, $59 and up from Home Decorators Collection; limited availabililty.
Above: From Treillage on New York’s Upper East Side, the Directoire Statement Planter Box is 26 inches square, comes in ten powder coated colors, and costs $2,600.
Above: The solid Paris Planter is 20 inches square and is available in either black or white. Galvanized steel; $645 at Thos. Baker.
Above: Made of iron and teak, the 19-inch-square Directoire Planter is $395 at Tinnin Imports. Though teakwood is famed for its water-repellent qualities, a liner is recommended—or drop a terra cotta pot inside to hold soil and plants.
Above: Made in Pennsylvania by Amish craftspeople, these Versailles Boxes are 24 inches square with a zinc liner. All take about eight weeks (minimum order of two at $850 each), through Groundwork.
Above: Restoration Hardware’s Azobe Salvaged Wood & Rope Planters are hand-built in Poland from wood that once supported drying bricks at a Belgian factory. Available in several sizes starting at 18 inches square, currently on sale for $430 (liners sold separately).
Above: Custom sea green paint glosses up a 20-inch-square Wood Planter, which starts at $534 (liner and customization extra) from Accents of France.
Above: Modern Industrial Versailles Boxes ($1,500 for the pair) in zinc by R.T. Facts, which operates out of the old Town Hall of Kent, Connecticut. These are 22 inches square, and custom sizes are available.
Sprucing up your deck or front entry? See all of our favorite Planters, including 10 Easy Pieces: Square Wooden Garden Planters and 10 Easy Pieces: Bronze Garden Planters.
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