Free project consultation with our expert Building and Construction team
- Home
- Garden & Landscaping
- Stone Planters
- Traditional Planters
Showing 25–36 of 105 results
Our cast stone garden planters are renowned for their beautiful design and outstanding quality. Indeed, our classic planters take pride of place on manicured lawns and charming terraces at some of the world’s finest stately homes, private gardens and public parks. If you’re looking for a high-quality planter and want to add style and refinement to your lawn, garden, patio, conservatory or terrace, then a timeless design from our classic range of planters and containers will be perfect. We have an extensive range including baskets, bowls, boxes, jardinieres, troughs, urns and vases.
If you prefer a more modern design style, then our contemporary planters and containers will undoubtedly suit your personal taste and budget.
Helpful Tips
-
Which compost should I use in my stone pots/planters?
We recommend using a multi-purpose organic compost, or ericaceous compost, when planting up cast stone pots or planters. This will avoid any potential unsightly staining or discolouration of your planters. We use Durstons compost in all of our Show Garden cast stone planters.
-
Do my planters need drainage holes?
It is vital that your stone planters have drainage holes. Proper drainage allows excess water to drain from the soil, which enables good airflow and the flushing of salts from the soil.
If your plants sit in water for too long this can lead to root rot developing. This can be irreversible and could result in killing young or established plants.
-
What is the best time of day to water my potted plants?
During the summer, plants that are potted in planters, troughs or urns should be watered during the morning between 6am – 10am before the heat of the day sets in. This will ensure any water does not evaporate before your plants and the soil has had chance to drink it. The early evening is also a good time to water your potted plants, as this will also any excess water to evaporate before nightfall.
Another reason to avoid watering potted plants during the heat of the day is to avoid your stone planters from cracking. Splashing cold water onto hot stone can cause cracking, however this is very rare, and stone remains the most durable and long-lasting material for planters as permanent outdoor fixtures.
-
I have noticed some hairline cracks on my stonework – should I be concerned?
Our cast stone designs are incredibly robust and the high-quality of our materials means that both our Home and Garden, and our Building and Construction products can easily withstand the elements including frost. However, fluctuating weather temperatures and conditions, more so in the summer months, can sometimes cause cast stone, just like natural carved stone, to be susceptible to slight cracking.
The appearance of hairline cracks and cracks is certainly not uncommon in stone designs, nor is it a new phenomenon, it has been happening for hundreds of years.
The good news is that in almost all cases, cracking is nearly always only aesthetic and is very rarely detrimental to the structural integrity of their designs. So, you can rest assured that your planters, statues and fountains will not fail or fall apart if they develop hairline cracks or cracks.
-
Why does cast stone crack?
As a material, stone and cast stone products as a matter of course expand and contract with fluctuating weather temperatures and this can result in cracking occurring, particularly when periods of hot weather are followed by periods of heavy rainfall.
In instances where the cracks are not too pronounced, it is extremely likely that as future rainwater falls & seeps into the crack that the crack will heal itself, a process known as autogenous healing.
-
What is the best method for cleaning cast stone?
We always recommend testing the following cleaning methods on a small, inconspicuous area of your Home and Garden design first before continuing to clean any visible areas.
Firstly, remove any heavy encrustations on your stonework by scraping away moss, lichen and built-up dirt with a dry sponge or a soft bristle brush. Always use great care not to cause localised damage to the outer surface of the stonework by rubbing the surface too harshly.
Next, apply a gentle cleaning method such as washing your cast stone with fresh, clean water to remove further top-level dirt and blemishes. This can sometimes be enough to simply improve the appearance of your stonework and is especially the case with newer designs, or those that have not been exposed to months of inclement weather.
Judicious use of a soft nylon brush applied using a soft, circular motion and with a mild, environmentally friendly detergent should remove most stains without scratching your design, or for the need to use stronger proprietary chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
A power washer can be used on really tough, built-on grime, but always remember to use a very low-pressure setting and constantly move the nozzle to prevent damage.
-
How can I naturally weather my cast stone designs?
In just a few easy and simple steps, you can transform your cast stone designs, making them look older and weathered in no time.
Natural and live yoghurt contains bio cultures, which when layered onto stone, activate the weathering process within days.
Paint a layer of yoghurt onto your cast stone using a paint brush. For larger designs, or to help the yoghurt go further, add semi skimmed milk, for a runnier consistency. Leave to dry and you will find your stonework will start to weather within a few days.
Note, leaving your stonework in bright sunlight or an un-shaded position in your garden will mean the weathering process takes a little longer to develop.
-
How can I make my cast stone designs look older?
As well as using natural or live yoghurt to naturally weather your cast stone designs, there are a few other techniques for creating a truly unique, weathered look.
Encourage moss and lichen growth by rubbing established moss over the surface of your cast stone design. The moss spores will impregnate into the stone surface and activate growth over time.
Cast stone designs that are left in damp earth, shaded areas or amongst thick borders or grasses for several months will age much quicker than stone left in sunny areas of your garden.
Adding soil, muddy water, silt, soot or decaying leaves to your yoghurt mixture will darken and add extra stain to your stone.
-
What are the advantages of planter gardening?
There are many advantages to using planters, pots and containers in your garden.
Accessibility – raised on an elevated surface or planter feet, containers provide easy access for small children, those with mobility issues and the elderly.
Low maintenance – the small surface area of containers means heavy digging isn’t required and is also a great way of preventing weeds. Plus, watering and weeding is as easy as can be.
Prevents pesky pests and diseases – position your favourite container plants away from the main garden area to prevent problem pests from moving between plants. Plus, container plants have fewer problems with diseases than those grown in garden beds too.
Great variety – the great thing about containers is that you can easily grow plants that require different soil types next to each other.
Easy fertilising – it’s easier to keep your plants well-fed in a small and confined container area as less nutrients are lost or absorbed by neighbouring plants in a garden bed.
Control those space invaders – garden mints and bamboo will spread like wildfire if left to their own devices in a garden bed – so containing these vigorous growers in a planter or trough is a great way of keeping them tame.
-
What can you grow in planters?
Depending on the size of your container, planter or pot, and of course the climate, a whole abundance of plants will thrive in a pot, planter or trough. Herbs, vegetables, annual bedding plants and bulbs, perennials, shrubs and even small trees can grow successfully in containers.
Top tips for choosing plants for your planters:
Choose compact cultivars and dwarf trees where space is restricted.
Consider the amount of sun and shade available when choosing both the plants and their position.
Decide if you want to plant single species or a combination. Both options will offer completely different and interesting looks.
Annuals or perennials? Annuals will need to be removed from pots when they die off, but offer a bounty of colour during the grey months.
“Thriller, spiller, and a filler” – use this simple gardeners’ guide by choosing one focal-point plant, additional plants that spill over the planter’s edge and finally plants that fill in any spaces.
-
Which planter size is best?
It’s best to decide what you would like to plant before you select your planters, as this will determine the right size and growing space. Think about the size and shape of your plants’ root systems and opt for containers that offer generous planting room.
Remember that rootbound plants can dry out quickly and need plenty of space to thrive. This is especially true if you’re planning to combine a number of plant varieties in one container.
Haddonstone’s extensive range of stylish contemporary and traditional stone planters offer generous planting room and are available in a range of colours.
-
Why are drainage holes important when planting in planters?
Waterlogged plants will quickly fade and overwatering is one of the main causes that plants die. Prevent soggy soil by ensuring your planters, pots and troughs have a drainage hole in the base to allow excess water to drain away.
All Haddonstone garden planters feature a good-sized drainage hole and are suitable for all plant varieties.
-
Why choose cast stone as a material?
Choosing planters in the right, robust material is important in ensuring they can withstand any weather conditions and stand the test of time.
Cast stone planters are robust, frost-proof and can easily withstand all fluctuating weather conditions. Available in a broad range of styles and shapes, they are a great investment, offering style, generous planting room and longevity. As cast stone does not conduct heat, planters and troughs in this material offer great protection for your plants.
Clay and terracotta pots are popular but as they can easily break during cold snaps, are unsuitable for year-round hardy perennials and shrubs.
Wood that has been treated with certain chemicals or creosote can be harmful to your plants.
Metal planters conduct heat and so can expose sensitive roots to severe heat and cold.
It’s also worth noting that darker coloured planters and plant pots will conduct heat, whereas light-coloured alternatives will keep the soil cooler than dark containers.