Local woman invents gardening product
By: Michelle Hudler Sentinel Staff

Michelle Hudler/ Sentinel photo Inventor of Pot on a Hill and founder of Sharp Garden Designs, Natalie Sharp.

Tucked away in a mountain subdivision of Blue Ridge is a lady who happens to be an avid container gardener but who also happens to live on a rather steeply sloped hill. Knowing that plants cannot grow sideways, she faced a dilemma that many gardeners in the area have surely faced as well; however, she decided to do something about it.

Local resident Natalie Sharp recognized a need for a device that could support the weight of potted plants of all shapes and sizes and at the same time prevent the plants from toppling down the hillside. After giving the matter some thought, Sharp realized exactly what she needed and, with the help of her neighbor Bill Marsh, made a wooden prototype of what is now one the latest and most innovative products for container gardening, Pot on a Hill.

With the initial model in hand, Sharp began making efforts to make her idea a reality. "Everything - design, construction, marketing, packaging, and even the technical aspects such as acquiring the patent - has been done or helped along by someone in the area," Sharp commented. Kristin Guinea, Director of Economic Development guided Sharp in creating a business plan and provided financing options. Blue Ridge Manufacturing produced the first steel prototype, the professional landscaping version of the product. Pot on a Hill is packaged at the Mineral Springs Center, a non-profit corporation that provides services to developmentally disabled adults in the area. Local resident Steve Martin, graphic designer and owner of Blue Ridge Workshop, helped provide branding and designed the logo. "I was really surprised by how much talent and how many resources I found in this community, " she added.

Michelle Hudler/ Sentinel photo Several potted plants supported by Pot on a Hill.

Pot on a Hill is one of those inventions that most people will look at and think, "Why didn't I think of that?" The product consists of two stakes that brace into the earth to provide support for potted plants in hard-to-garden locations. It is available in plastic, which can support up to 50 pounds, or powder-coated steel, which can support up to 250 pounds. It is a "simple" but marvelous solution to an overdue gardening quandary. Both versions of the product are easy to use and in no way detract from the beauty of the garden. Pot on a Hill can be purchased in various local shops and stores, including Out of the Blue; Little G's Garden Center; Town and Country Furniture; Wrapsody in Blue; ACE Hardware of Blue Ridge, Murphy, and Andrews; Quinn's Nursery; and J & B Discount. For more information about the product, log onto potonahill.com.

Michelle Hudler/ Sentinel photo A view of a landscaped hillside using Pot on a Hill.