Terracotta Flower Pots Have A Rich & Enduring History In The UK, Evolving From Humble Functional Items To Beloved Garden Staples And Decorative Pieces.
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Terracotta Flower Pots are reminiscent of a past era, an era before plastic was invented and we polluted our planet with it. For me terracotta flower pots, trays and other terracotta garden items represent history, tradition, gardens, culture, values, hard work, beauty, gardening skills, ecology, plant health and more.
History of Terracotta Flower Pots in the UK
Ancient Origins (pre-19th Century): Terracotta, meaning “baked earth,” has been used for pots for over 2,500 years globally. In the UK, until the 19th century, terracotta pot making was largely a cottage industry. Skills were passed down through generations, with local clay and coal used for firing. These early pots were primarily utilitarian, used for cultivating plants. Some would have been thrown on a wheel, but many smaller ones would have been formed by hand. The smaller ones were called thumb pots or pinch pots. There is a video at the end of this article that demonstrates how they can be made.
The Rise of Mass Production (19th Century – Victorian Era): The mid-19th century saw a significant shift with the advent of mass production. Richard Sankey of Bulwell, near Nottingham, opened a factory around the 1850s, enabling larger scale manufacturing. Even then, many pots were still hand-thrown. The Victorian era, with its burgeoning interest in gardening and plant collecting (often through the Grand Tour), saw a surge in the popularity of garden pottery. Terracotta pots became more than just containers; they were often ornate and considered artistic statements, reflecting the opulent tastes of the time.
Mid-20th Century Decline and Revival: Until the 1960s, clay flowerpots were everyday objects. However, the rise of plastic pots offered a cheaper and lighter alternative, leading to a decline in terracotta’s dominance.
Modern Resurgence: Today, terracotta pots remain incredibly popular, valued for their natural aesthetic, breathability, and durability. There’s also a renewed appreciation for high-quality, handmade terracotta, with companies like Whichford Pottery continuing the tradition of crafting frost-proof pots. Cretan terracotta, introduced to the UK in the mid-1980s, has also gained popularity for its distinctive warm colour and frost resistance.
Uses of Terracotta Flower Pots in the UK
Terracotta pots are used for a wide variety of purposes in UK gardens and homes, owing to their unique properties and aesthetic appeal:
Traditional Plant Cultivation: They are still widely used for growing a vast array of plants, from herbs and vegetables to flowers and small shrubs. Their porous nature allows for good air circulation to the roots, helping to prevent root rot, which is particularly beneficial for plants that prefer drier soil conditions. of course there is a downside to this. Plants dry out due to the pots being so porous. So select the right plants for terracotta pots.
Decorative Elements: Beyond their functional role, terracotta pots are cherished for their rustic charm and timeless appeal. They blend seamlessly into various garden styles, from traditional cottage gardens to more contemporary designs. They are often used to create focal points or add a touch of warmth and character to patios, balconies, and indoor spaces. For me the new pot is much improved when it starts to go green with a little algae. They then meld into the garden, it feels like they become part of it rather than an addition to it. To speed up the growth of algae pain the pot with little yogurt or a slurry made from farmyard manure!
Mediterranean Style Gardens: The warm, earthy tones of terracotta are synonymous with Mediterranean landscapes, making them a popular choice for creating a similar aesthetic in UK gardens, often paired with olive trees, lavender, and other drought-tolerant plants. I once designed a Mediterranean courtyard garden for a builder in Norfolk. Down the centre of a tiled courtyard there was rill. At the end of which there were large pithoi style pots containing large plants. It was very Mediterranean meets Alhambra! The unique feature was that in mid summer the sun set behind the pithoi and brought them alive as silhouettes against the sun as it descended,
Indoor Use: Terracotta pots are also frequently used indoors for houseplants, though it’s often recommended to use a waterproof liner to protect surfaces from moisture and to prevent the pots from drying out too quickly in a heated indoor environment.
Historical and Reclaimed Pieces: Vintage and antique terracotta pots, particularly those from the Victorian era, are sought after by collectors and those looking to add historical authenticity to their gardens. These often bear the marks of their age and craftsmanship, adding to their unique appeal.
Sustainability: In an age of increasing environmental awareness, terracotta is viewed as a more natural and sustainable option compared to plastic, as it is made from readily available clay.
While plastic pots offer affordability and lightness, the enduring appeal of terracotta in the UK lies in its connection to tradition, its natural beauty, and its beneficial properties for plant health. With proper care, particularly ensuring frost-proof varieties for outdoor use in colder months, terracotta pots can last for generations.
How To Make a Terracotta Pinch Pot
The following video shows how to make a pinch or thumb pot. It is a solid one, so if you want a flower pot just add a hole for drainage to the bottom. in the video they add a base and handle to their pot .. this obviously isn’t needed for a flowerpot!
