Choosing the Right Containers for Your Garden
Not all garden containers are created equal. What works on a modern rooftop terrace may not be appropriate for a classically inspired formal garden. The elegant way a cast stone container weathers is quite different than the earthy patina of lead or terracotta. Some materials are more frost-proof than others. And of course, the costs can vary dramatically. Let's take a look at six of the most common and traditional types of garden containers.
Container Material |
Key Style Feature |
Frost-Proof |
Color Options |
Price |
Weight |
Cast Limestone: Containers are typically created from a dry mix of pulverized limestone |
Porous: which leads to a fabulous aged look if allowed to weather properly |
Yes |
Mostly traditional earthy grays and buffs |
$$$-$$$$ Prices vary but limestone costs considerably more than concrete |
Typically very heavy. Makes them suitable for a permanent spot in a garden. |
Cast Concrete: Containers are typically created from a wet mix of concrete (cement and aggregates) |
Can be cast in a variety of styles and sizes |
Will have difficulties surviving freeze-thaw cycles of colder climates (although some frost-proof styles are available*) |
Offer many color choices. Can be stained in nearly any color. |
$$ |
Typically very heavy, although some are being made from lightweight concrete mixes |
Terra Cotta: The highest quality terra cotta containers are produced in the Tuscany region of Italy and are often referred to as Impruneta terra cotta (a small town in Tuscany). |
Earthy, handmade-looking. Styles can fit nearly any garden setting. |
Yes |
Limited to earthy reds and orange colors |
$$$-$$$$ |
More manageable weight. Typically lighter than concrete but heavier than fiberglass. |
Glazed Ceramic: A terra cotta container colored in rich glazes and unique textures |
Brighter color options |
No (although some styles are available that are frost-proof*) |
Wide variety of colors |
$$ |
More manageable weight. Typically lighter than concrete but heavier than fiberglass. |
Fiberglass: A lightweight, strong material made up of layers of polyester resin alternated with woven fiberglass mat |
Wide range of lightweight styles and sizes |
Yes |
Wide variety of colors |
$$$-$$$$ |
Lightweight. Good choice for rooftop terraces. |
Lead: A natural metal that resists rust and is most notably known for its prominent use in England in the early 19th century |
Great for simple styles, modern or classic formal gardens |
Yes |
Begins black and fades to whitish-gray |
$$$$-$$$$$ |
Very heavy |
Resources:
Frost-proof containers:
Haddonstone offers frost-proof limestone containers.
*Gardenstone Statuary produces stunning, frost-proof concrete containers.
*AW Pottery in Seattle, WA offers some frost-proof styles of ceramic containers.
Tournesol Siteworks manufactures frost-proof fiberglass containers in a wide range of sizes and styles.
Impruneta terra cotta containers:
Collezione: California company that imports terra cotta.
Seibert & Rice: New Jersey company offers east coasters with a fine selection of imported Impruneta terra cotta.
Glazed ceramic containers:
Gladding McBean: Premium manufacturer with a high price tag but can add much needed dramatic color to an otherwise dreary winter scene.
Lead garden containers:
Some of the finest lead garden containers are available from Detroit Garden Works in Sylvan Lakes, MI.
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Contributing Author:
Chris Heiler, contributing writer for Landscaping Network and president of Landscape Leadership
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