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Designer Planters for any home or
business design: See
our planter picture guide for finding the perfect Designer planters
for your project. There are many styles and materials to consider, such
as: Architectural shapes, Ceramics, Brass, Plastics, Chrome and other
metals, Clay, Etc. Planters
Ceramic - Clay
- Marble - Composite
- Fiberglass - Metals
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Planters of every type and style
How to find, select
and buy designer and custom planters and pots 
By Bob Little
We often see a beautiful Home, business or even large buildings and
malls that have spent a lot of time and money on interior / exterior
design and then ruin it by using Discount store plants and Planters. There
is a huge selection of virtually any size, type, style or material /
finish plant containers you could ask for. The problem is, what do you
really need to finish your project so it all comes together?
Plants complete a great design, just as a nice frame does for fine
art. The correct plants and pots are critical to complete a beautiful
design.. The plants should go with the overall theme of the space,
taking into consideration size, type, care, light and water
requirements, which we will get to more in another article.
Assuming you have the right plants in mind you need the right planters.
If We are doing (as we have) a new Las Vegas casino, we want to use high
impact, rich looking styles like solid brass  and
architectural planters.  On
the other hand a Country club may use high end Terra cotta  outside,
Brass planters in the lobby and maybe a Victorian planter in their
garden restaurant.
For the high tech facility like a new downtown office building we may
need to custom build some artsy solid stainless steel planters  or
fiberglass treepots 
both freestanding and built in, which are available in many shapes and
styles to suit any requirements. In these areas the plants and
containers can also be used to control traffic flow and fill in open
areas or provide nice private nooks for seating. Still not sure? try
here first.
Be sure to look over all the possibilities before deciding. It can
make or break the look of your project and Large planters can be a
significant investment, we want to get it right the first time.
Some things you need to consider are:
1. What will you be using the planters for?
A. Just as a pretty pot cover. Then
just pick planters that are at least 2" taller and wider then the
plant pot that is going into it. Yes, just plan on dropping the plant,
greenhouse pot and all into the new planter. If using live plants, plan
on some type of liner to prevent leaks and to protect the metal from
reacting to the water/soil.
B Outside use. If using outside you will want drainage
holes an possibly saucers. Some planters are not suitable for outdoor
use...Be sure to check on this. If your area gets freezes, some
planters can crack. Ask before spending on one that may not make it
through the first winter.
C. Plant container as well as traffic control in busy areas.
You will want a more substantial unit with some weight. We don't
want something easy to knock over or carry away. Consider the larger,
wide based planters. Some of the fiberglass units can be built with
seating. We may need to add some ballast to help.
D. Mainly as a design aspect: First, if you are not a
designer, get one to help in this area. High end - custom planters can
be expensive, we want it right the first time. Browse our site, get some
ideas, pictures and think about all the spaces, uses, traffic and other
design aspects that the planters will need to complement. Start this
process at least a couple of months before you need the planters if
possible. If custom made is required, submit detailed line drawings and
full descriptions for a quote.
E. Non planter use: As a trash receptacle, Table base, Holy
water bowl, wine cooler or???? Let us know and we will advise what needs
to be done and get you a quote.
2. Size: The planters will be sized as: OD
(outside diameter) ID (inside Diameter) HT (top -bottom outside) Depth
(top - bottom inside) If not sure be certain to ask before you order a
custom or designer planter as there is usually no returns.. Squares and
rectangular will be: L x W x H plus may show inside and outside
LxWxH
3. Cost: Any budget can afford nice planters. For example a
12" planter that would accommodate a plant in a 10" grow pot
can start at about $12.00 and go up to $300.00 and beyond. Your
budget and design needs will determine the total cost.
The level of cost goes up from: Plastic - Clay - Ceramics - Porcelain
- Fiberglass - Metals - Stone & Combos - Custom.......
4: Time: This is the area we have the most trouble with. Yes,
sometimes can fill that order in a few days. But when your talking about
the higher end planters, they are made to order. A fast turn around is
about three weeks. The metal planters can be six to eight weeks
depending on a bunch of factors that I'll go into another time. Average
time is two - four weeks. We can't guarantee even that so give as much
lead time as possible. The Florida Hurricanes made the 3 week wait a six
week wait...stuff happens.
5. Accessories: Your planters can be matched with Ash
& Trash containers, Mail
drop boxes, traffic control stanchions, luggage
carts, and other items.
A. Saucers: Not usually
needed but are available for many types of planters.
B. Casters: Many can have caster platforms
or casters built in for easy moves.
C. Liners: Depending on the planter
material and how you use, you may want a sprayed in fiberglass liner or
other suitable liner.
D. Handles & legs: Available on many
metal planters, common on the solid brass units.
E. Floor protectors: Some planters can
scratch surfaces or over time sweat or leak. Better safe then sorry.
6. Delivery and installation: If your just getting a few small
pots, UPS, FedEx, don't worry, but if your order needs to come on ground
carrier on skids, you need to plan a bit.
Large planters can be Heavy! Some delivery truck drivers will
help, others not. It's best to have help available and ready. Really
large planters or larger orders on pallets may require a fork lift.
Again, some drivers have a pallet jack to help get them to your door,
but then what? Plan on a coordinated delivery / installation with your
crew for best results unless you have a warehouse they can just drop off
at.
Some residential deliveries will be at an added charge for larger
orders. Drivers don't like hunting for an address and will charge
for redelivery if your not there.
Inspect you planters ON ARRIVAL. Damage must be reported at
that time or it's yours.
Most of the points above apply to all planter sales by pretty much
any company. Some terms and conditions will vary a bit.
Will be posting some other ideas on this subject shortly. If you have
a question send
us an email.
Bob Little
Also see: How
to pot your plant
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