Frequently Asked Questions
What makes you different from other companies selling Cretan Terracotta pots?
When it comes to pots, we are the experts. We have been manufacturing and supplying the professional landscape trade with pots for over 35 years and have many unique designs to our credit. We are trusted suppliers to many of the world's leading companies and landscape designers. Our Cretan terracotta is all made in one workshop under the supervision of a greatly experienced master potter. All pots we supply were made exclusively to our commission and are imported by us to the UK in shipping container quantities. We have large stocks for immediate dispatch and take preorders for special pots or large quantities.
Do you have a showroom?
Yes (and no). We have a small showroom at our base on the outskirts of Edinburgh, which is available only by appointment, with a minimum expected purchase of over £500. As well as our beautiful terracotta you can also see our huge range of fibreglass and wooden planters, all handmade in the UK, plus water features and bespoke outdoor furniture of our own manufacture, as well as ecological water conservation solutions.
Are your pots frost-resistant?
Terracotta has a bad rap for splitting in frosty/freezing weather, and quite rightly so. The vast majority of the terracotta pots on the market are poorly made, mostly machine manufactured or from north Africa using inferior clay and firing to lower temperatures. While cheaper, the old adage that you get what you pay for rings true here, with Cretan terracotta is much more frost resistant than any other terracotta on the market. You can further minimise the chances of winter damage by following the advice in our section on how to care for your pots.
Do your Cretan terracotta pots come with drainage holes?
Yes, if not fibreglass lined. Any terracotta pot for use outdoors must have at least one drainage hole (one is sufficient). Without the drainage hole, water can collect in the pot which could freeze in the winter, causing it to crack. Please follow our advice on how to plant up your pots.
Can Cretan terracotta pots be painted?
Yes. The Cretans do it all the time. You can paint them yourselves or we can give you a quote to do them here as we have a fully professional paint shop on site. However, in our opinion the natural terracotta, especially when it starts to weather and develops a patina, is the best look.
Do you offer trade or wholesale prices?
Yes, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. If you are an existing customer of our sister business, Livingreen Design, you can log in on that website and see your trade prices.
What happens if an item is out of stock?
Normally, if an item sells out, we have more on back order and the website will state when stock is due in. If you see an out of stock item without this date, or you want a design that does not appear on our website, please get in touch using the contact details listed. Usually, in season, we would have a new shipping container arriving every 6 – 8 weeks, so wait times are generally in that order – over winter we generally stop importing so the lead time could be up to 3 months.