Corten steel garden planters are popping up more and more in gardens across the country and for good reason! They can be utilised in various ways to complement and transform outdoor spaces for the better. Let’s break down the 10 best ways to use Corten steel planters in your garden.  

Why Choose Corten Steel Planters? 

You’ve probably heard of Corten steel and seen the illustrious features it offers for garden design, but apart from its appearance, why do so many people choose Corten steel planters? 

Corten steel planters exude the perfect blend of stunning visuals with long-lasting functionality not many other types of garden planters can boast. Naturally developing an array of autumnal oranges, browns and reds that contrast perfectly with the lush greenery of the UK, the steel is designed to resist corrosion and withstand the high levels of rain and other weather conditions we face every day.  

This is thanks to the natural patina weathering the steel undergoes. On top of this, Corten steel planters are typically designed with drainage holes to prevent soil becoming waterlogged, making them suitable for an array of plant life. 

Creative Ways to Incorporate Corten Steel Planters 

1. Define Your Garden Borders 

Display well-defined borders with Corten garden planters. Whether sectioning off pathways or outlining the garden edges, the clear orange array of the planters with a fully developed patina is a perfect way of setting clear boundaries.  

2. Build a Multi-Level Garden Design 

Some homeowners are seeing the benefit of stacking Corten steel planters at varying heights to create a layered effect. Sloped gardens are prime for this usage, helping them achieve new depths and distinct dimensions. Combine this with plants of different textures and colours to enhance the visual impact. 

3. Add a Statement Focal Point 

Imagine it now – a beautiful floral display situated in equally stunning Corten steel planters. Your guests’ eyes will be instantly drawn to your garden’s focal point, with the Corten steel planters benefiting from sculptural plants such as Japanese maple or ornamental grasses. They are the ideal garden planter for creating a show-stopping centrepiece.  

4. Combine Planters with Seating Areas 

Garden benches and other seating can blend effortlessly with Corten steel planters. Wooden seating can be attached to the planters, either in front, surrounding the planter or with them either side. The combination of the warm tones of the steel with the earthy undertones of wooden seating creates a stylish and welcoming outdoor lounging space. 

5. Frame Your Patio or Deck with Style 

Line your patio or decking with Corten steel planters to frame the space elegantly. Like defining your garden borders, Corten garden planters can help your patio and decking look more stylish, with symmetrical arrangements boasting a formal look while a mix of planter sizes showcase a more relaxed, laid-back vibe. 

6. Grow a Convenient Kitchen Garden 

Corten steel planters aren’t just great for lush floral displays; thanks to drainage holes which prevent root rot, they are also ideal for growing herbs and vegetables, helping you source your own organic food in the convenience of your garden.   

7. Create a Living Privacy Screen 

Solitude in your own tranquil garden is a must, so add to your privacy with tall Corten planters housing plants like bamboo, shrubs and small trees. Have elevated garden aesthetics paired with a display of seclusion screens.  

8. Enhance Poolside Landscaping 

Contrast and complement the hard lines and colours of concrete or tile with Corten steel planters. Place them near your pool and feel like you’re swimming in paradise. However, it’s important to understand there could be colour run-off from the planters when exposed to moisture, so it might be good to wait until the planters have fully developed their distinct colour before placing them poolside. 

9. Use Corten Steel in Water Features 

They don’t just have to house plants – Corten steel planters can be utilised for stunning water features including fountains and ponds. The contrast between the steel’s warm tones and the reflective water creates a unique focal point.  

10. Rotate Seasonal Displays 

Corten steel garden planters make it easy to switch up plant life according to the season. Go for tulips and daffodils in the Spring, say ‘hey there’ to your dahlias in the Summer and go wild for displays of viburnum and snowdrops during the winter. With Corten planters, you’ll be able to keep your garden looking and feeling fresh and dynamic, no matter the time of year. 

How to Maintain Corten Steel Planters 

Thanks to the natural protective layer the planters develop during the oxidisation process, Corten steel planters require little maintenance and will last for years to come. A few good maintenance tips to be aware of include: 

  • Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling, prolonging the life of the planter and your plants – drainage holes and raised planters help with this! 
  • The rust-like patina naturally develops over time and can cause staining to surrounding areas during this period. Avoid placing planters on surfaces you don’t want stained. 
  • Clean occasionally using a soft brush to remove dirt or debris. Never use harsh chemicals on your planter as this might disrupt the weathering process. 

Conclusion 

There is no limit on creativity with Corten steel planters. They offer gardens an array of different uses and displays, from distinct focal points to seamlessly blending into existing areas. The natural weathering, which presents its unique orange colouring and protection from the elements, ensures no matter what way you utilise them, they’ll elevate your garden like no other planter for the foreseeable future.