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