Creativity in a Flower Pot: The Case of the Upside Down Vase

By Shlomo  Maital

Upside Down Flowers

Upside Down Flower Pots, in Kaunas Lithuania

   My wife Sharona and I are at a school psychology conference here in Kaunas, Lithuania.   While enjoying supper at an outdoor café,  Sharona (who has very sharp observational skills) spotted these upside down flower pots and photographed them.

   So, what exactly is this about?

   Creativity is widening the range of choices.  You can plant flowers in a flower pot conventionally.  Or, like the clever people in this apartment,  you can take the flower pot, put holes in the bottom so that the roots poke through and ‘grab’ the pot, then put a lid on the pot —  and hang them on your balcony, upside down. 

  Why upside down?

   Because, that way, you get to see much more of the beautiful flowers and leaves, instead of just the big ugly pot. 

   Think different.  Do things different.  Can you do something upside down?  A French cook did,  she invented tarte tatin,  which is simply apple pie, but with the crust on the bottom instead of on the top.  It’s delicious.   Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion liked to stand on his head, believing it was healthy.  He was the Upside Down Prime Minister.  Lots of small children love to do that.  And sometimes, I love to have an upside down meal – first, dessert,  then the meal.  Try it.