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How Do I Choose the Best Outdoor Pottery?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

When choosing outdoor pottery, there are many options available to you. It can be a good idea to know what you would like to use your patio pottery for so you can select pieces that will suit your needs. Garden pottery should be very heavy so it will not tip over whenever there are high winds. Pieces could be painted or unpainted, but unfinished ones might be best because the paint may flake or peel when it is exposed to the weather.

You may want outdoor pottery for showing off your plant collection, in which case you should choose ones that have a drainage hole in the bottom. The type of plant you are growing can determine which one you buy, so it is important to know what you plan to place inside this garden pottery. If you are growing flowers, you may want a round container that is between 1 and 3 feet (.3 to .9 m) wide, but one that is 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) wide might be best for small trees or shrubs.

Flowers grown in pottery containers can be easily moved.
Flowers grown in pottery containers can be easily moved.

In the event you plan to move your outdoor pottery, you may want to buy pieces that have wheels. These might be attached to the pot itself, and if this is the case, you should make sure they are securely attached. Patio pottery might also come with a separate base that has wheels on the bottom. The container could be placed on this base only when it is being moved. If you choose one of these models, it can be helpful to make sure this unit will support the weight of the pottery, especially if it will also be filled with dirt.

Birdbaths can be ornamental as well as functional.
Birdbaths can be ornamental as well as functional.

Decorating with pottery can be a fun thing to do, so you might want to consider ornamental pieces. If this is the case, you should take your patio furniture and accessories into consideration when you are choosing outdoor pottery. Some of the things you might want to consider could be a birdbath, garden statues, or fountains. Do not be afraid to choose bright colors, as this could also help attract birds and butterflies to your garden.

If you are ordering outdoor pottery from a catalog, it can be a good idea to call the manufacturer before doing so. Some of the things you may want to ask might concern shipping times and how the unit is packaged. It can also be helpful to know about a company's return policy in the event you do receive a damaged piece of garden pottery.

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    • Flowers grown in pottery containers can be easily moved.
      By: Valda
      Flowers grown in pottery containers can be easily moved.
    • Birdbaths can be ornamental as well as functional.
      By: Sam Spiro
      Birdbaths can be ornamental as well as functional.