So you need to choose a planter, flower pot or trough for a landscape design. What do you need to consider?
It seems that if you want nice planters or flower pots then a good place to head is the North European coast. I have come across more than one supplier of high end, large planters and the sources are usually Belgium or Holland. I can’t explain this but I guess from a geographical point of view it it’s pretty well connected in Europe and it not land locked so can get supplies in and out easily. Belgium and Holland also have a good design style that is less exuberant and more universal than southern European producers.
As I always say concrete is not only great for making planters and flower pots but also many other things. In fact in recent times it has seen a resergence in popularity and companies are trying to create the effect of concrete but with better suited materials. Concrete is a great material for compressive requirements but it’s pretty rubbish for tensile or flexural strength. Worktops are a good example of where concrete is used but it isn’t optimal for the use. It will stain easily with kitchen use, (which could be regarded as charming) and will chip when you drop something on the edge, not so charming.
Let have a look at some products in concrete or concrete effect material.
It would be a bit silly to preech about concrete flower pots because you either love or hate them. Some people have preconceived ideas about what concrete is and hate it, my Dad being one. I think this is because they think of grotty 70’s tower blocks and the association to them. We in the design world however relate it to an industrial, versatile and cool material that gives us the chance to make some really cool shapes that are durable and strong.
Picking a planter for a tree is a much harder task than popping down Homebase and selecting something. The pot needs to be strong, sturdy and look the part and they aren’t a very common item.
A set of steps can be as boring or as exciting as you like and a great way to liven them up with with foliage.
Kornegay Design Planters are very high quality cast concrete planters with a faceted or geometric form. They are similar to my designs but less dramatic and angular. This means that they are easier to make but no less desirable for it. The website is full of wonderfully shot images of the companies work in studio settings much like you would see from a ceramists studio
Iota are one of the largest and best known suppliers of landscape products in the UK and as a result they have some great products. Whilst their range extends over more than just planters and flower pots the most interesting range is just that. They also do water features, benches, bins anything really and all to a high quality and stylish design
The definition of an architectural planter is really no different to a normal one but customers tend to be looking for a harder wearing, higher quality environment relevant design. Many pots end up being boxes which I personally think is a bit boring and uncreative but I can also see the reasoning behind it.
Industrial feel
The stark coldness of concrete and the fact that it is often the core material in a building makes it a real back to basics material that stands out when used in design.