Whether you're dressing up a patio, balcony, or border, choosing the right planter can make all the difference to your garden's look and feel. With so many shapes, sizes, and materials available, it can be tricky to know where to start — so here's our guide to finding the perfect match for your outdoor space.
Consider Your Space First
Before you buy, think about where the planter will live. A sunny south-facing patio calls for something bold and statement-making, while a shaded corner might suit a more understated style. Measure your space carefully — a planter that looks small in a photo can be surprisingly large in person.
Size Matters
Bigger isn't always better, but it often is for plant health. Larger planters hold more compost, retain moisture longer, and give roots room to grow. If you're planting shrubs, small trees, or Mediterranean plants like olive trees, go for a planter that's at least 40cm in diameter.
Our Olive Planter With Saucer 30cm Grey and 40cm Olive Planters are ideal for statement planting — they're generously sized, frost-resistant, and look stunning on patios or either side of a doorway.
Material Choices
- Plastic & resin – Lightweight, frost-resistant, and low maintenance. Great for balconies or if you like to rearrange your garden.
- Terracotta – Classic and breathable, but can crack in frost. Best for summer displays.
- Stone effect – The best of both worlds: the look of natural stone with the practicality of resin. Our olive planters offer this finish beautifully.
Don't Forget Drainage
Good drainage is essential. Always check your planter has drainage holes, and consider adding a saucer underneath to protect decking or paving. Our Grey Saucer for 40cm Olive Planter is a perfect pairing.
Finishing Touches
Once your planter is in place, top-dress the compost with decorative stones to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and give a polished, professional finish. Our Cotswold Stones and Silver Grey Granite are particularly popular for this.
