We have created a type of planter / door knocker concept that gives a welcoming warmth to any front door area - office, home, kitchen, bathroom, gazebo, patio or summer retreat.
Top left: Mercury (Hermes) Roman god of speed, son of Zeus. English Kendrick design c.1886
Below: Iron loop door knocker c.1860's

While not necessarily designed to be attached to your door. Most people find a place to the left or right side of there door / entry way area.


These unique planters are truly a one of a kind creation. An for the most part you will find these door knockers to be antique and rare. The planter body is from slate, found from various quarries in the world.
Left: Cast Iron Greek /Roman goddess c.1870's
Each piece of slate is hand selected for color and texture match along with the planter box - Not always a easy task.The plants are easy to maintain requiring little care, they are winter hardy in most USDA zones (see care information below)
Left: Solid brass stylized sea creature / fish from the Isle of Malta. Superb detail and make, rare and in high demand. Fabea & Sons design pre 1900's

Hens & Chicks easily thrive in small contained growing areas. Within a short period of time they will start to spill over the edges to give a more beautiful natural unstructured look.
Below:Solid brass Moon & Stars Michael Healy design c.2000

Left: Italian gothic "dog of war" c.1940's

To view additional door knocker designs continue to scroll below "Care Information". Unless other wise stated all door knockers shown on this site MAY be sold. Contact Edwards Green House about availability, for new arrivals of unique & rare door knockers from various parts of the world.
Below: Bronze cherub c. 1890's


Simple Care Information:

Hens and chicks - (Semperviviums) Are known for there long life, durability and ease of care. Following these simple steps will give the results you desire. When watering, do so completely ~ Do so with purpose!! Misting does not replace a good watering.

There is a drainage hole underneath the planter box. Which will allow excess water to drain out. Also there may be water showing on the face of the planter box where the heafullia is growing out of the front side - Not a concern.
History of plants:
During the invasion and occupation of the British Isles and Netherlands by the Roman armies. The homes of local residents,roofs were covered with "chicks & hens" to help keep the roofs water tight and well as to ward off evil sprirts. (Too bad it didn’t help with the Roman hoard)

Impressed by the hardiness, prolific growth and life span of these plants the Roman invaders in honor of the plants. Gave them the Latin name: Sempervivium, "long life, long living".

Winter hardiness:
These plants are winter hardy to about 15 degrees F. We recommend to bring indoors when temps. fall below 15F. And enjoy as a indoor planter in a bright / sunny location until more moderate weather returns.
Watering:
We generally water a plant two - three times. The first time wets the soil, the second watering a few minutes later soaks the soil as well as the stone. Do not keep continuously wet. Use a moisture meter, allow soil to stay on the dry side ~ Not dry out ! Below: Gothic horned dragon c.1970's
Feeding:
Feed with plant food once a month during the growing season and just once every 3 months during fall/winter seasons. We have used: Miracle Grow & Super Thrive with great results. Keep in mind that the planter box / soil area is small in volume and not to "over feed", plants are hardy and do not require too much care.
Sun Exposure & Heat:
Since slate is a natural conductor of heat. I do not recommend planter to be exposed to direct sunlight / heat thru-out the day in temps. Exceeding 75F

Cooler morning AM sun is fine or partial shade to shade during the summers hotter mid-day and afternoon temps.The concern is not light exposure yet heat exposure due to the conductivity of the slate.

Installation & Precautions
While slate is a very durable stone sudden impact ie. dropping may cause stone to chip or break or separation of planter box. Your Living Door Knocker may come with a "star drive" screw. These are chosen for there athetic design. Driving bits may be purchased at your local hardware store.. In driving screw into wall make sure not to over tighten screw to where breakage can occur to stone.
Shipping & Technical help
Door knockers & plants ship very well, for addtional information
contact: info@KindaSortaZen.com

Plants will perform well in confined growing areas such as our "Living Bird Houses" see bird houses - www.KindaSortaZen.blogspot.com (Same basic care instructions apply)

As the plants grow they will spill over the edges to add a more natural and beautiful look. Trim as desired.

The use of a moisture meter is recommended to prevent over or under watering. They can be purchased here at Edwards Green House. 208.342.7548 www.edwardsgreenhouse.com
4106 Sand Creek Boise ID 83703



More unique and rare door knockers scroll below




Oldest to date: Hand wrought iron, serpent. Wonderfully primitive in design Rhode Island c.1770's







"Oklahoma Snake" - Found at a abandoned farm house. Made from a old rail road spike superb detail on face with open mouth and fangs. Note the etching of body and twisting of steel body. I did not know snakes had feet . . maybe just in Oklahoma!! c.1905

Below: More traditional in design, solid brass with beautiful green patina. From a collector, Hesperia, California early c.1950's




















Left: highly detailed solid brass swan. By most standards very large in size, country of origin :Canada c.1940's

This old sepia print is of a phenomenally artisic and detailed door knocker. Upon close inspection you can make out the facial features of a hooded gargoyle head on top of a reptilian body.Open mouth with protruding tongue like filigrees design reaching upward.

Note, the knocker itself a twisted rope design with snakes wrapped towards the top. No doubt that it has been in place for many years. As the stone wall bears deep scars fom use. European in design circa 1500's

Donations to Bob the African tortoise go to:http://tbobsblog.blogspot.com/