Antique Food Pots
Many of the pots that we source and use as planters, both indoors and outdoors, were not originally created for greenery. Instead, they were designed to store, transport and preserve food from the land in Southern France. This included salt pots, confit pots and larger biot olive pots.
Antique Grape Hods
French grape hods are used for picking grapes. The hod is worn on the back of the grape picker but we now like their slim profile and wide neck for planting! Due to the flat back, they work especially well against a wall and have a unique patina from the worn metal that contracts beautifully with mixed flowers and trailing foliage.
Antique Ponne Pots
Another example of items that weren't original intended for plants are the antique Ponne pots shown below. These very attractive, large terracotta bowls would have been used to wash clothes in the early 19th century. A washing Ponne has a prominent drainage hole which is good for planting, while their size can support larger forms of foliage such as small trees or shrubs.
Antique Zinc Baths
Finally, consider an original 19th Century zinc or copper bath. These can be a beautiful and unique garden feature. The example below is particularly large which invites all sorts of planting schemes and the faux marble exterior is very attractive. It is in very good condition inside and out, has its original plug and would make a great centrepiece if you're looking for a unique garden antique.
If you would like any help sourcing metal antique pots & planters, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, sign up to our emails to be the first to know about new pieces or follow us on instagram.
