Grass growing well in the UK in December

This is the second year that we have had out 6m tall Fairy Bell Christmas tree (cone shaped led mesh) on the front lawn.   This is the second year that I have had to mow the lawn where the tree stood.  All that extra light made the grass grow!   Another observation I have made is that the houseplant Rhoicissus ellen danica is very, very hardy.   I left one outside hidden behind some terracotta pots and it's still green and surviving despite having a sprinkle of snow and despite being outside in sub-zero temperatures.  That's a hardy houseplant.

Bespoke lead style planters.

Bespoke lead style planters made from GRP (glassfibre). These are much lighter in weight than real lead and are a fraction of the cost. Tell us the required size and we'll quote! http://www.plantcontainershop.com

Bespoke lead style GRP (glassfibre) planters.

Bespoke lead effect planter trough.

Lightweight lead style GRP (glassfibre) planter.

Lightweight balustrade for weddings and events

A baluster or spindle, historically made from turned wood, when placed side by side in a line forms a balustrade.  The balustrade will usually have coping stones or a handrail on top. The word banister is used to describe a balustrade forming a stairway.

A balustrade set against a beautiful landscape of established trees implies a grand country estate and this is an ideal backdrop for weddings and events.  What if you don't have access to a grand country estate?  Bring your own balustrade!

This balustrade and associated pillar is made from lightweight, tough and durable white polyethylene. Why not add some planters on pedestals to complete the effect.

For a more subtle effect there are pillar and chain combinations.

Call for further details:  www.plantcontainershop.com

Lightweight polyethylene balustrade

Lightweight polyethylene balustrade

Lightweight polyethylene pedestal

Lightweight polyethylene pedestal

Lightweight polyethylene planter on pedestal

Lightweight polyethylene pillars with chains

Planters made from 80% recycled material.

The typical office planter has a very long life.   One office that we maintained plants in had the same glassfibre planters for over 25 years! They were almost as good as new after all that time. At the end of their office career they are put out to pasture, or put out in to the garden at least. We have often been asked whether the planters are being disposed of and whether staff can have one or two for home use. I am pleased to know that they can have an extended life of 40 years or more.   

Recycling glassfibre is not as easy as recycling other materials although it is possible as this earlier post shows: http://allaboutplantsandplanters.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/any-colour-you-like-as-long-as-its-green.html

Planters made of other plastics can be readily recycled and you can now buy planters that are actually made from 80% recycled materials. The recycled material comes from consumer products such as computer casings made from ABS plastic.

These come in the full RAL colour range and a number of Pantone colours.   The following styles are available: tall tapered round, tall square, tall tapered square, smaller tapered square and cube type squares.

www.plantcontainershop.com

Recycled planters: tall square

Recycled planters: tall tapered round

Recycled planters: tall tapered square

Planters made from 80% recycled material

Giant flower pots down in price since Brexit!

..although that is just a coincidence.   A new supplier is offering a giant flower pot made in exactly the same way as the other manufacturers but this pot is at a greatly reduced price.   Offered in matt white, mid-grey, green, purple and brown with the illuminated version in 'ice' or translucent.  As of November 2016 the 1100x940 pot is £335.00 + vat and delivery and the 1100x940 illuminated version is £435.00 + vat and delivery.  RGB led and rechargeable versions available at extra cost.

www.largeflowerpots.co.uk

Giant flower pots

Chelsea's top gardeners turn to rock for inspiration.

The title is one of my favourite phrases at the moment.  My second favourite from Welsh garden designer Dan Bristow is "I generally work in back gardens in London which are terrace houses, so it doesn't lend itself to putting in two-ton or five-ton boulders in, but I would love to."

This is where I come in.   I suppose the artificial boulder in the image below would be around 2 tons if it were real.

 Take a look at artificial rocks and boulders here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/artificialrocks/

artificialrocks.co.uk

Maintenance free Versailles style planters

The original orange tree planters at the Palace of Versailles and indeed their current replacements, had removable side panels to allow for root pruning.  Most planters sold for general garden use don't have removable panels but then again most householders won't be undertaking root pruning.

Trees planted in suitable containers can last up to 20 years.   The roots will probably have filled the container after that time and replacement plants will be necessary.   For the 20 or so years before that you can enjoy just looking at the planters you have chosen.  You won't even have to paint them if you choose the right material.   The glassfibre Versailles style planters below will outlast the trees planted in them and indeed will outlast the next batch of trees.   Possibly even the batch after that!

http://www.plantcontainershop.com/versailles-style-plant-container.html

Glassfibre (GRP) Versailles planter