I shared some of my adventures in container gardening with you recently, and since then I’ve delved even deeper into the exciting world of potted plants. In fact, I’ve accumulated so many plants that floor space is becoming an issue. Thankfully, I came across the Woolly Wally Pocket, an amazing hanging felt planter that combines sustainability with space-saving savvy.
Before I spotted the Wally, my world was filled with pots and planters made either out of terra cotta or some repurposed bucket or coffee cup. The Wally is made out of felt, a breathable material that allows the soil to aerate naturally, which makes for healthier roots and happier plants. The felt also makes this planter super light and flexible but also very durable. This isn’t just any old felt from the store, however. The Woolly Wally Pocket is made of 100% recycled plastic bottles.
These two tomato plants are quite a cozy in my Wally Pocket and are actually faring better than some of the potted plants I keep outside. Photo By Dani Hurst.
The Woolly Wally Pocket comes in both an indoor and outdoor model. The indoor model has a moisture barrier that protects the wall and floor from getting wet every time you water and also creates a small water reservoir, while the outdoor model does not (because, hey, it’s outside.)
Another unique feature of the Wally is that it is made to mount on your wall, freeing up a lot of floor space. Each individual Wally measures 15-by-24 inches and can hold .40 cubic feet of soil, which makes a pretty spacious home for most plants. I’m currently growing two tomato plants in my Wally. While this is probably less soil than you’d usually use for two tomato plants, my plants are thriving and show no signs that they’re too cramped. In fact, I even had enough room in the Wally to erect a simple wooden trellis to stabilize the plants when they got bigger and started fruiting.
The Woolly Wally Pocket has a felt tongue that wicks water to the plant’s roots and a moisture barrier that creates a small reservoir of water. These two features work together to conserve water and nourish your plants. Photo Courtesy Woolly Pocket Garden Company.
After having used the Woolly Wally Pocket, I have some advice to those who choose to follow in my footsteps. First of all, while the wall mounting does free space on the floor, it is also more permanent than a portable pot. The hardware used to mount the Wally is very secure, meaning it makes big holes in the wall, too. This shouldn’t discourage you, but do take the time to pick the best place possible (and perhaps develop a plan to cover up the holes when you move out if you rent.) The moisture barrier is also great, but it’s no friend to chronic over-waterers like myself. Again, don’t get discouraged, but know that if you tend to over-water, you’ll have to be more careful with the Wally because it isn’t designed to drain like a regular pot.
The Woolly Wally Pocket is made in the USA by the Woolly Pocket Garden Company and hails from a family of felt plant pockets meant to either hang from the wall or sit on a flat surface. Visit WoollyPocket.comto learn more about the Wally and its felted kin. While you’re there, check out the company’s commitment to sustainability.