Trough Planters: Practical and Stylish Choices for Gardens and Terraces
Trough planters are a smart choice for those looking to add greenery without the clutter. Their clean lines and versatile design make them ideal for balconies, terraces, offices, and even commercial settings like restaurants. In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of GRP trough planters, planting suggestions, and tips on choosing the right size and style.
Why Choose Trough Planters?
Trough planters are practical and adaptable, offering a sleek solution for:
• Creating Barriers: Perfect for defining areas on balconies or terraces.
• Low-Maintenance Gardens: Large trough planters can house hardy plants that thrive with little attention.
• Commercial Use: Great for restaurants, offices, and storefronts seeking a professional appearance.
The Benefits of GRP Trough Planters
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is a popular material for trough planters due to its durability and low weight. Here’s why GRP is a great choice:
1. Lightweight and Strong
GRP planters are far lighter than concrete or stone alternatives, making them easy to move and suitable for balconies and roof terraces. Despite being lightweight, they are tough enough to withstand harsh weather without cracking or fading.
2. Low Maintenance
GRP doesn’t absorb water, so there’s no risk of cracking in winter or staining over time. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy greenery without the hassle of frequent maintenance.
3. Versatile Styles
From modern finishes to traditional looks like faux lead, GRP trough planters offer a range of options. Choices like the Downing Street Faux Lead Trough Planter or the Elizabethan Faux Lead Troughblend well in classic settings, while the Colourful Trough Planters add a vibrant touch to contemporary spaces.
Choosing the Right Trough Planter
When selecting a trough planter, consider the following:
1. Size and Shape
• Large Trough Planters: Best for creating barriers or planting larger shrubs and trees.
• Tall Trough Planters: Ideal for privacy screens using bamboo or similar plants.
• Low Trough Planters: Suitable for herbs or ground cover plants on balconies or narrow terraces.
2. Placement
• Balconies and Roof Terraces: Opt for lightweight GRP troughs to prevent structural strain.
• Commercial Spaces: Choose sleek designs that complement your brand’s look.
Planting Suggestions for Trough Planters
The right plants can turn a simple trough planter into a stunning feature. Here are some ideas:
1. Bamboo for Privacy
Tall and fast-growing, bamboo is perfect for creating natural screens. Plant it in large or tall troughs to add privacy to terraces or outdoor seating areas.
2. Hardy Shrubs for Low-Maintenance Gardens
Boxwood, lavender, or holly thrive in troughs and need little care. These options are perfect for those who want greenery without frequent upkeep.
3. Herbs and Flowers for Balconies
Rosemary, thyme, and trailing geraniums can transform even a small trough into a fragrant, colourful display.
4. Topiary: Troughs are ideal for topiary arrangements. Three or four topiary balls with lavender planted in-between will create a show stopping trough planter and is suited to more formal outdoor areas.
Trough Planters for Offices and Restaurants
GRP trough planters are an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor commercial settings:
• In Offices: Use large trough planters with low-maintenance plants like snake plants or ZZ plants to improve air quality and add a professional look.
• In Restaurants: Trough planters can define dining areas, add greenery to patios, and enhance privacy for guests. Lines of small topiary trees can add refinement to outdoor dining areas, and mixed artificial planting in trough planters can add greenery internally where love plants may struggle.
Window Boxes: A Practical Type of Trough Planter
Window boxes are essentially a type of trough planter designed to sit neatly on windowsills, railings, or narrow ledges. Their elongated shape makes them perfect for adding greenery and colour without taking up floor space. With the right choice of plants, window boxes can enhance the appearance of homes, balconies, and even commercial properties.
Benefits of Window Boxes
• Space-Saving: Ideal for small balconies or windowsills where ground space is limited.
• Enhanced Curb Appeal: Adds instant greenery and character to the exterior of buildings.
• Easy Access for Herbs: Keeps fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary within reach for cooking.
Planting Suggestions for Window Boxes
• For Colour: Use petunias, geraniums, or trailing lobelia for a bright display.
• For Herbs: Parsley, thyme, chives, and mint thrive in compact spaces.
• For Low Maintenance: Succulents and hardy perennials can provide greenery with little care.
• Formal City Window Boxes: Formal planting in the form of Buxus sempivirens provides year round greenery for city window ledges and balcony railings.
How to Care for GRP Trough Planters
• Watering: Ensure adequate drainage by using planters with pre-drilled holes and adding a layer of gravel at the bottom.
• Cleaning: A simple wipe with a damp cloth keeps GRP planters looking new.
• Protection: GRP is UV-resistant, but adding a coat of UV-protective spray can maintain the finish for years.
Find Your Perfect Trough Planter
Maybe you’re greening up a balcony, adding privacy to a terrace, or enhancing an office entrance, there’s a GRP trough planter to suit. Explore the range of trough planters to find the perfect fit for your space.
