The soul of our terracotta
The authenticity of a colour
Round or square, classic or contemporary, tall or short, decorated with friezes or arches... These terracotta pots fabricated in Italy have something in common: their unique patina.
Italy, land of fire
Let’s head for Tuscany. To the gardens of the Medici where olive trees, box trees, lemon trees, Bizzarria trees, orange trees and all kinds of citrus reign majestically in their terracotta pots. Terracotta has been used in this region since antiquity, in gardens but also for storing olive oil and Chianti wine, thanks to its solidity, resistance to temperature fluctuations and its ability to evacuate humidity.
An architectural element
These pots lend cachet to any garden and they also turn out to be essential elements when designing a landscape, shaping the identity of a place as a statue or a sculpture would. They are prized for their decorative and emotional power and as natural “works of art”, notably due to their inimitable patina. Sometimes they reach monumental heights to hold specimens reaching several metres in height, veritable museum pieces.
These artisans, with 30 years of know-how, have worked for some of the biggest names – most notably in England, for Chelsea Physic Garden in London, Trebah Garden in Cornwall, RHS Bridgewater Park in Salford and the Conservatory at Chiswick House in London, which houses one of the most beautiful collections of camellias in Europe. Today, Tectona provides them its own know-how in design and creation.
Worldclass craftsmanship
It is for these reasons that Tectona, specialist in garden furniture, offers a wide range of pots made in Italy by the elite of artisan potters who have attained total mastery in working with clay – to the point that they can detect and eliminate even the smallest bubbles liable to crack during firing. Each pot is a veritable work of art, handcrafted from the best Tuscan clay over several weeks, from shaping with moulds, firing in kilns, drying then creation of the decoration. It follows that every pot is unique.
More than fifty models are offered and fabricated on demand, from the traditional to the contemporary, including jars whose ovoid shape is highly appreciated. They are called Cantina, Colonna Mezza, Festonato, Cubo... One is inspired by recipients in which olives were pressed; another holds climbing plants; the third evokes those in Italian villas showcasing citrus trees; the final one with its square shape, very elegant, is ideal for planting topiaries... Amateur garden designers are spoilt for choice.
Iconic: the Orcio Toscano Liscio jars
These impressive terracotta urns are simple in shape and interesting in a garden setting. They look fabulous as a focal point centrally in a parterre or knot garden.
Majestic: the Cilindro Grande pot
With its generous proportions, this pot is designed to accommodate small trees, providing them with the ideal space to thrive. Placed near the house, it is perfect for growing fruit trees, acers or olive trees. The 120 cm pot is the largest model we offer.
Authentic: the Cantina pot
Inspired by the immense barrels once used for pressing olives, this pot charms with its simplicity. Its sleek lines, enhanced by decorative bands, reflect its artisanal heritage and deep roots in Mediterranean tradition.
