Jay and his plants x Pottery Pots đź’š Monte Santo
We are proud to share an inspiring story about Jay, the creative mind behind Jay and his Plants. Using the beautiful designs of Pottery Pots, he gave the outdoor spaces of Monte Santo, a stunning bed & breakfast in Sardinia, a complete green makeover. This project is not just about design—it’s about passion, local collaboration, and connecting people with nature.In this guest blog, Jay takes you to Pula, a charming village where he worked with love and dedication on a unique transformation. Discover how local stories, Mediterranean style, and a touch of magic came together in this special project.
The Green Mission in Pula – A Passionate Project at Monte Santo
Sometimes, you find a place where everything just falls into place—a beautiful location, a passionate host, and a mission so genuine that you can’t help but be moved by it. I found that place in Pula, a charming village in Sardinia. Here, in the heart of the village, Laura Muscas has realized her dream: owning a bed & breakfast in her hometown. Monte Santo is more than just an accommodation—it is Laura’s soul mission, a place designed to connect people with the peace and charm of Sardinia.So when Laura asked me to help bring new life to Monte Santo’s outdoor spaces, I couldn’t say no. As an interior plant designer at Jay and his Plants, I immediately felt that this project was not just about aesthetics but about creating an environment that reflects Laura’s vision.
A Place of Pure Serenity
Monte Santo has something special. The house itself is designed with natural elements that blend beautifully with Sardinia’s rustic charm. Laura’s garden is an oasis filled with olive and fig trees—a place where you can truly feel the calm of nature.Yet, Laura felt something was missing—more greenery on her terraces and patios, a stronger connection between the garden and the house. That’s where I came in, together with Pottery Pots, to help make her garden and terraces even greener and more inviting.
The Start of a Green Transformation
We chose the Mediterranean Collection from Pottery Pots—a series that perfectly matched this project with its sleek, rounded shapes and warm greige tones. These pots, with their raw natural finish, fit seamlessly into the serene aesthetic of Monte Santo and provided a neutral backdrop for the plants I selected.
The plan was clear:
Day 1: The Green Makeover Begins – Placing the Pots
We started by installing the larger pots from Mediterranean Collection, giving them central positions on the patios and gravel terrace. The Zeus model immediately added a bold character to the terrace, contrasting beautifully with the raw, natural ground.As I placed them, I realized that the pots from Pottery Pots are more than just functional planters—they truly act as design objects, enhancing Monte Santo’s ambiance. The natural greige color and textured surface gave an authentic Sardinian feel!
Day 2: A Morning at a Local Nursery in Pula
While selecting plants, we naturally attracted some attention. Among the Strelitzias, we struck up a conversation with Gino, a retired tomato grower with a deep love for plants. When he mentioned his own “mini nursery” at home, we were curious. Gino invited us to continue our plant hunt at his place, a hidden gem in the village.
Gino’s Home: A Colorful Plant Paradise
Gino’s house was incredible—a sunlit, yellow Sardinian home with three stories and a rooftop terrace overflowing with extraordinary plants. Choosing was easy; we knew that these plants, this place, and Gino’s passion were perfect for our project.
Pietro Lai and the Iconic APE Piaggio
Now came the challenge—how would we transport this treasure trove of plants through Pula’s narrow streets? Gino had the perfect solution: within minutes, local resident Pietro arrived in his APE Piaggio, an iconic three-wheeled mini-truck that is essential in Italian villages. Together, we loaded our plants onto the back, with curious villagers spontaneously joining in to help.
The Final Touch – Green Styling at Monte Santo
We began at the entrance, where a striking Yucca in an elegant Apollo pot set the perfect welcoming tone. Its strong trunk and lush leaves made an immediate statement, enhancing Monte Santo’s first impression.
Stylish Details on the Patio
At the heart of the patio, we placed a lush Dieffenbachia and a graceful fern in a pair of Eros pots. This combination created a serene, almost tropical atmosphere, with the soft curves of the Eros pots complementing the vibrant greenery.A Stunning Centerpiece
Every patio needs a showstopper, and ours was a full Strelitzia in the bold Athena pot. Its striking, upward-reaching leaves added an eye-catching focal point, while the sturdy pot ensured a solid, grounded presence.For the outdoor shower, we chose something special—an exotic Plumeria with delicate white flowers. Its warm fragrance and elegant blooms transformed the space into a spa-like retreat. The Athena pot's natural aesthetic made it the perfect match, while the Plumeria added an exotic touch to the outdoor shower.
The Gravel Terrace: A Play of Shadows
Against a long white wall, the Cycas palm found its home in an Apollo pot. As the golden hour approached, the palm’s silhouette cast beautiful, dramatic shadows—a mesmerizing display of light and texture that enhanced the terrace’s ambiance.On the other side of the seating area, we placed a set of Zeus pots, each housing a lush Areca palm.
