The garden pots and planters you select when specifying for a design and installation job depends on where it will be used (public or private space), whether it will be exposed to the elements, and if it will need to be moved frequently. Design considerations such as colour, texture, and the rest of the architectural elements within the same space also need to be considered.
There’s an IOTA planter for every location. Here’s an overview about each different type of planter, and the specifications that affect whether a certain variety is right for your job.
Granite Planters
Looking for a tough, strong, and durable planter? Granite is your best choice. The IOTA Granite Planters are the most dense, strongest, and impact-resistant of all.
They’re ideal for displays and planting areas in public environments such as city centres and other municipal areas. These containers can take some nicks and dings and still look great. If you need large planters, granite is also the material of choice, because planters of large sizes can be custom-manufactured.
Granite planters are the heaviest of all IOTA garden pots, so they are not a good choice if the planters will need to be moved frequently. The heft of these containers is a plus in areas with a lot of traffic, because nobody will be able to take them. They’re quite theft-resistant. (With IOTA, you do have an option to purchase a Granite planter on wheels.)
Fibreglass Planters
The Manhattan line of IOTA planters are lightweight planters made from layers of woven fibreglass. These GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) planters are durable, but extremely lightweight.
They’re ideal for situations where the planters would have to be moved, but not suitable for use as heavy physical barriers. The exterior of the containers are painted with durable industrial melamine paint that is UV-colourfast and long-wearing. The colour of these containers won’t fade in the sun. However, they can be scratched, and the wear and tear on the finish will show. IOTA recommends the Manhattan Fibreglass planters for residential or light commercial use.
Slate Planters
The beautiful natural stone of the IOTA slate planters is the finishing touch to any landscape environment. They’re durable and heavy, so they can withstand wear and tear of commercial use.
Colour and texture variation within the stones means that scratches and light damage are camouflaged. Slate is a natural stone made of sedimentary layers, so it will crack if repeatedly crashed into. The soft colours of the slate planters make them fun to plant and design with, as they match a wide palette of plants.
Composite Planters
Composite planters from IOTA are part of the Venice line. “Venice” refers to the material, which is a cement-based composite material that is internally reinforced with natural plant fibers. The natural variations of the concrete patina allows scratching and minor damage to be hardly noticed; however they will crack if crashed into by a shopping trolley or skateboard. That makes them a more natural fit for residential landscapes than commercial landscape.
They’re particularly well-suited to patio and poolscape use, because their lightweight enough to easily move for a party or gathering. If you want the look of a cement planter without the heft, composite Venice planters are an excellent choice.
Part of the success of any landscape design is the ultimate functionality of the design, and planters are a part of that—whether in commercial or residential settings. Make sure that you select the right planter for the area in which it will be used by carefully weighing your garden pot options with the conditions in which it will be placed.
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