Zenos Cretan Terracotta Planter

The Zenos Cretan terracotta planter is a new design produced by our pottery in Crete. It's the perfect display pot for grouped planting of bulbs & herbs.

Each pot is individually hand-thrown then fired in a kiln over 3 days at temperatures reaching around 1200 Celsius. This intense process results in the reliable reputation of Cretan pots.

Each planter features three handles (a pair opposite a single) and a simple row of soft horizontal ribs. Hand-made and frost hardy to -20°C. Read more about the process below.

30 x 55cm

If you're after multiple pots through to a single piece - I have a number of ways to make sure that you receive the most convenient service taking budget, flexibility and access into account.

1) Standard England & Wales delivery is automatically calculated at checkout.

This third-party, 9am - 5pm kerbside pallet service is £54 per pallet and is FREE on orders over £500.

Scottish, Irish & Island residents simply require a quote due to the distance from Herefordshire. For further information on the how this service works click here

2) I also offer a 'local' delivery service covering the surrounding counties from Dorset up to Cheshire. Local delivery is quoted for each job off the mileage & work involved (access / time).

3) For deliveries further afield still requiring a more personal service, I have a great relationship with a local courier. Mr Roman handles all of my distance deliveries, each time proving to be very reliable. Like my local delivery service, this will need to be quoted for.

At Tom's Yard we choose to import clay pots made from the best materials that are put through extensive firing processes, tried and tested by our Potteries for many years.

All of our clay pots are made to be left outside and enjoyed for 365 days of the year.

With that being said, there are simple steps you should take to ensure the longevity of your pots and also the health of your plants.

Winter

If prolonged or sudden, harsh freezing conditions are forecasted, we recommend wrapping your pots in bubble plastic or fleece; this should prevent the earth from freezing solid (and avoid the risk of splitting the pot) and at the same time protect any plants growing in them; a frozen pot will kill off a plant far easier that if it were growing in the ground.

Following the steps below will go a long way to mitigating harmful effects to your plants and will ensure that your pots last for years to come.

Drainage

Drainage holes are vital if a pot is going outside. If not already in the pot, unless specified, we always drill holes before a pot leaves the Yard. Every so often check that the holes have not become clogged up, otherwise water could be retained within the pot, leading to root-rot, or the risk of damage to the pot during freezing conditions.

Although not always necessary, you can raise your pot off the ground to assist with drainage. Flat stones, tiles, wooden batons, plastic matting or terracotta feet are ideal.

Planting

If you are using the pot for planting, put a good layer of gravel and broken crocks at the bottom. This prevents the holes from getting clogged up with soil and aids drainage. Top up with a suitable compost/soil blend depending on the plants.

If the pot is enclosed with a narrow neck we advise that you avoid permanent planting or have a removable plastic pot within the terracotta pot. Otherwise the roots will grow into the ‘belly’ of the pot making the plant extremely difficult to remove.

Even in straight pots, do be aware of garden favourites such as Agapanthus and Phormium. These plants produce very strong roots than can split a pot. It's far better to grab a hori-hori and to split the plant.

Sitting

Never stand your pot on bare earth. Being porous, the bottom few inches will soak up the moisture, frost playing on permanently wet terracotta may not be in the best long-term interests of the pot. Instead sit it on feet raised on a paving slab or dig a circle lined with metal edging and fill it with gravel.

The beauty of Cretan Pots is that each pot is entirely hand-thrown from clay only found on the island of Crete.

Once fired, due to the unique mineral content, some pots arrive more pale whilst others are more orange.

We recommend that you use each picture as a guide. However, don't get too caught up on colour - it won't take long for your pots to soften & weather as they are exposed to the elements.

Each pot is hand-thrown on a wheel - no easy task! Due to this ancient method of making pots, there are minor variations in exact size and form, so we recommend you use the dimensions above as a guide. We will always do our best to make the best matched pairs/groups for you.

As there are multiple imports throughout each year, it is not guaranteed that the colour of your pot looks exactly the same as the model featured above. This is because my terracotta pots contain a lot of naturally occurring minerals which when fired can result in a varied tone - making each pot individual in its own right.

When ordering multiples, I'll always do my very best to select pairs or groups that match.

Please use the images above as a guide. If you are ever unsure, just reach out and I'll be happy to send you images of the options available.