A perfect pot can turn a problem space into a pleasure. It did for Ruth Borun: Before the scene outside took form, Borun's floor-to-ceiling window at the end of a hallway framed an unexciting view of a narrow side yard. Nothing she tried thrived in the dark and difficult space. The outdoor pocket, scarcely 10 feet deep, was an unfinished picture.

Then landscape designer Chris Rosmini suggested using a great container as a focal point instead of plants, and helped Borun find the perfect pot ― a vintage '30s piece. "The view was meaningless before," Borun says. "Now it gives me pleasure every day. So much so, I think I'd go into mourning if I lost this pot."

DESIGN: Chris Rosmini Garden Design, Los Angeles (323/258-1195)