The influx and variety of pots and containers in the market has resulted in a beautiful array of pots and containers with invariable designs, some modern with clean, geometric designs, others highlighting rudimentary designs from ancient pottery while others may feature the classical motifs of the Victorian and English era influenced largely by the creative design pursuits set by the wealthy landowner class as well as royalty.
Today, pots and containers are made of many materials like wood, fiberglass resin, cast stone or concrete, and metal types such as copper, bronze, brass and aluminum to name a few. And let’s not forget the favorite material forms of terracotta and ceramic. To some extent, material makeup may be crucial towards designing your landscape. It could add to a form and appeal for your design. For instance, wood connotes a rustic, earthen appeal that is central to a country or naturalistic theme such as a Shaker’s decorative style. Wood is also typically found in eastern cultures such as Japanese cultures which thrive well on the use of bamboo designs.
Here are some suggested ideas on when to use the types of pots and containers available:
1. Terracotta and clay pots add well to a southwestern and Tuscany appeal. They also do well in a naturalistic theme that thrives on simplicity and practicality. For instance, in a Tuscan setting, it is common to find large Terracotta pots and urns that are adorned with beautifully garland or Della Robia designs. Sometimes, cherubs and puttis are prevalent on such planters. Use charming florals and blooms to accentuate the look of such pots with orchids, poppies and irises.
2. Plastic Containers add a more utilitarian appeal. They are much lighter than wood, clay or concrete and less expensive. Possibly, plastic containers may give a more 1950s or 1960s retro look. They are great when you need to move the plants indoors since they are lighter. I am not a great proponent of plastic containers – if you are looking to use them, hide them amidst the greenery or sandwich them in corners where you would enjoy the view of the tree and not draw too much attention to the shape and look of a boring plastic container.
3. Wooden planters are suitable for use with a country and English styled themes. Be creative with the choice of wooden planters by introducing your beddings in wooden troughs, barrels or buckets. Those who dare venture can even add joy and form with a large wheelbarrow holding several plantings to add color and a natural vibrancy. The emphasis on wood suggests the homeowner’s passion for the natural surroundings relying on wood and other natural creations as a means of emphasizing self-reliance and an honest, unpretentious lifestyle. However do not be alarmed when you need to reinvest in new wooden planters every few years since wood is not long lasting and will eventually deteriorate over time.
4. The use of metal planters date back from ancient times and the use of brass, bronze and cast iron planters have their rich details spelt and praised in many archaeological books. They are beautiful and expensive but bear in mind that metal planters require frequent watering best in the mornings and evenings since such planters may get hot in the sun frequently and could eventually hurt your plants.
Needless to say, it is indeed becoming an awesome task to determine the material make up of today’s pots and containers due to commendable strides in technology. These days, a manufacturer is able to replicate a form that was never done before. For instance, a fiberglass resin planter can be made to look bronze or marble through creative and professional finishing. Fiberglass resin planters are emerging as popular choices for gardening. They are created of finer quality and seen as more durable forms for the garden. Additionally, fiberglass is versatile and allows manufacturers to create a vast number of designs that you would never expect in other material forms such as cast iron or concrete. They are easy to move and friendly alternatives for the garden, one of the reasons why they are fast emerging into the marketplace as a popular choice for the garden.
Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved
