Large plastic pots appear more and more often in towns and cities, mainly because the plants planted in them beautify the space. Distinguishing XXL containers often become the hallmark of a given place. A perfect example is the Austrian town of Attnang-Puchheim. The large plant pots located there in one unique color create a harmonious coherence and a designer look.

Large plant pots outdoor

Plastic pots are the top pick when it comes to outdoor use. Durable plastic is perfect for changeable weather conditions. In hot and sunny summer or cold, snowy winter, the planters retain their color. Additionally, they are easy to maintain and much lighter than their concrete or wooden counterparts. Thanks to all these advantages, they will fulfill their role for many years, remaining in a great condition. The plastic planters can impress with their durability under one condition – the chosen material, should be tested and top-quality. It is worth taking an interest in large polyethylene pots from Terraform. Polyethylene is durable, resistant, and perfectly recyclable.

Thanks to the polyethylene used in the production process of large plant pots the choice of colors is endless. To attract attention and enliven the surroundings, usually, strong and vivid shades are chosen. Yellow, Green, Orange, Red, Blue are just some of the options available. However, in addition to the basic variants, there are also quaint proposals that will make the plastic plant pot takes on a designer character. This category includes classic black and white as well as shades of gray, but to really stand out, it is worth choosing a variant that resembles Corten steel. Chocolate brown is not uniform, which allows to achieve a very similar visual effect to the corten popular among architects. It is the perfect combination of aesthetics and ease of maintenance.

Attnang-Puchheim focuses on consistency

Large corten-colored plastic pots were chosen by the austrian town of Attnang-Puchheim. Along the main street, Marktstraße, one can spot 15 pieces of Gianto Sito and 50 classic Gianto. Thanks to this approach, the most representative part of the town has gained coherent urban planters that allow  to launch additional greenery into the center. However, this is not their only task.

Large plant pots instead of railings

The location of the plant pots has been planned so that they not only have an aesthetic function, but also block the possibility of parking in places that are not intended for this. The central street of Attnang-Puchheim is woonerf, a modern public space in which the height difference between the road and the pavement is eliminated. The lack of architectural barriers is a great convenience for pedestrians, people on wheelchairs, mothers with prams or cyclists, but also a temptation for drivers to leave their cars outside the designated parking space. Pots placed on the pavement at regular intervals eliminate the need for barriers or bollards and, importantly, do not limit the movement of residents in any way.

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Restaurant garden in green surroundings

Outdoor dining is an inseparable part of restaurants. In the case of woonerf, to increase the security of guests, it is worth separating the premises from the street, which is often very close to the tables. In Attnang-Puchheim, the large Gianto Sito pots ensure the well-being of the eaters. The large size of the containers (the diameter of the pot is 180 cm) separates vehicles from the pavement cafe, and at the same time launch a green, plant screen, which additionally creates a sense of privacy.

Large plant pots – aesthetics and functionality

The project from the Austrian Attnang-Puchheim paves the way for other cities and towns. Large plant pots can bring many advantages. First of all, a wide selection of colors – in this case, the focus was on consistency and a designer presence, i.e. the unique corten color. Secondly, the plant containers are a clever signal that shows drivers where vehicles should not be parked, which is extremely important, especially on woonerf streets. Thirdly, they perfectly separate zones, e.g. a pavement cafe from the road. Finally, they provide the option of additional greenery, which is so much needed, especially in the main points of the city.

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The shopping mall is one of the most visited places on the city map, both by residents and tourists. In order to offer customers the greatest availability of products, and at the same time maximum convenience, such facilities very often turn into small towns that are able to meet almost all the needs of visitors. It is worth paying attention to the shopping mall landscape as a well-designed external space can make the satisfaction of visitors significantly increase, and more importantly, they will want to drop by as often as possible.

There is no doubt that the main goal when visiting a shopping mall is comprehensive shopping. However, for a really successful shopping tour, an important aspect is not only a variety of shops and services, but also dining areas, entertainment and aesthetics. The appropriate combination of all those ingredients will allow to create a perfect place for a friendly meeting or plan a day off with the whole family. Most of the facilities look great inside, but when it comes to shopping mall lanscape, there is still a lot of work to do.

A square in front of the shopping mall

The surroundings of a shopping mall are very often limited to a huge parking lot stretching to the horizon. Unarguably, it is impossible to omit places for vehicles in the plan, however there is much more potential in the outer area. A well-designed square may become the greatest attraction for the youngest, but also for the older ones. It is enough to take care of a relaxation zone, attractions for children, plants and small architecture.

Why is the proper arrangement in front of a shopping mall so important? First of all, because it is the first space that visitors see, and if it looks nice and stands out with functionality, it will certainly become the showpiece of the complex. In addition, the spacious square is perfect for arranging an area for a break between visits to subsequent stores.

What should be in the surroundings of the shopping mall?

• A relaxation zone, or in fact relaxation zones, because one point for all visitors of a shopping mall is definitely not enough. Benches, seats, deckchairs are elements that cannot be missing, but to be fully successful, you also need to ensure the right atmosphere. Even the most comfortable piece of furniture will not work when placed in direct sunlight, especially on a hot August day. It is best to plan a resting area under the tree or to provide a special roofing, e.g. sun sails.
• Plants – it is a real ‘must have’ in every shopping mall surroundings, which can completely change the space. The best option is greenery planted directly in the ground, but if this is not possible, large pots are perfect for this task.
• Small architecture – this is an extremely important aspect, starting from the utility ones, such as lamps, bicycle stands, garbage cans, to those that improve the appearance of the surroundings- sculptures, fountains, mist sprayings, street art.
• Attractions for children – many shopping malls have playrooms where you can leave your children and go on a shopping tour in peace and without whining. However, special attractions outside can make a trip to the shopping mall something really special for the youngest.
• Refreshments – the large space in front of the shopping mall is an ideal place for popular food trucks. Regardless of whether it is a small snack, ice cream, coffee or a dinner, it will certainly taste much better in the open air. A good-quality restaurant on wheels can even encourage you to visit a shopping mall.

The secret of the perfect shopping mall landscape

Arranging area around a shopping mall may seem complicated, but it is enough to follow a few rules to create a guest-friendly outdoor space. Get to know our 3 points that will make the square look unique.

1. Choose the scale correctly

It cannot be denied that the building of the shopping center is a real giant, therefore the square around is large too. Extensive open space requires small architecture appropriately selected for its scale. In such a situation, large or standard-sized objects, but in larger numbers, work best. Without this rule, the elements “disappear” in space, and the square may look undeveloped and empty.

Appropriately selected street furniture is clearly visible in front of the Dodenhof Shopping Center near Bremen. Huge TerraForm pots appeared on the square (the largest Gianto Grande is 160 cm high). To furnish the open space even better, they were placed in groups of three, thus creating very intriguing arrangements. Large pots have one more advantage, they can be planted with trees that will provide the desired shade or create a very interesting, lush plant composition – be sure to see how you can make a really blooming public space in the very center of the city.

2. Stand out

The square of the shopping mall offers a wide range of possibilities. The distinctive elements are highly recommended as they can be an ideal meeting point for visiting groups – it is a great convenience. Also, they encourage visitors to take a photo with them, which later will certainly appear on social profiles and will be an ideal promotion of this place.

What elements will make you stand out? In front of the Dodenhof Shopping Center there is a very interesting art installation – consisting of garden chairs painted in expressive, strong colors. They look marvellous in the company of equally colorful huge pots. There are really a lot of ideas, if you need more inspiration, check out our post on street art.

3. Say a definite ‘yes’ to changes

Shopping mall landscape should also change with the seasons. Thanks to this, regardless of the month, the square will look delightful. In summer, there are numerous possibilities. It is a time for flowers, splashing water from the fountain and relaxation zones. When most of the plants fade and the day is getting shorter and shorter, you should opt for eye-catching sculptures and decorations with lighting. In winter and spring, don’t forget about Christmas and Easter decorations – large-scale, of course. See the entry about XXL baubles and one-of-a-kind huge Easter eggs.

A shopping mall – the place that will be remembered

A well-arranged surroundings around a shopping mall is as important as an aesthetic interior. The characteristic and well-planned external space will certainly encourage you to rest for a moment, as well as to visit more often.

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The Flower Towers are one of the most effective ideas for spring compositions in cities … but not the only one. Plants can also appear in flower boxes and pots – large, colorful and exceptionally resistant to any inconvenience. What to choose and what is the best way to plan plantings to make sure that spring will come to the city in its full glory?

Pansies – the best choice for cities

Blooming plants looming up from city streets and squares are the best way to say goodbye to winter and its grayness. Pansies, due to their charming appearance as well as resistance to cold and low requirements, are the best idea for the first plantings.

Interestingly, selected species of pansy bloom already on the first days of March, which is why they are perfect for arranging urban space. Thanks to pansies, you will be sure that spring will appear in the city in a blink of an eye. This charming, inconspicuous flower impresses with its properties: for lush flowering, it only needs fertile soil and a sunny (or even semi-shaded) place.

Various spring flowers

When decorating cities, not only pansies with color flowers will help. They can be combined in a spring composition with daisies, tulips and other weather-resistant plants. Pansies planted in the Flower Towers, flowerbeds, boxes, pots, Easter flower containers in the shape of an egg, and even hanging Flower Towers mounted on street lamps or walls, effectively color the gray surroundings at a time when you cannot count on other plants. Once their charm fades, they can be quickly replaced with summer plants: pelargonium, ipomea or surfinia.

Blooming Pyramids

The most resistant plants can be planted at the beginning of March so you will be able to enjoy the first flowers in the city even before the calendar spring. The Flower Towers bring color not only in summer, they are perfect for launching interesting compositions in every season of the year. If you want to learn more about it, check out our post on seasonal flower containers. No wonder that more and more cities and towns in Poland and not only decide to make spring compositions. Here are some of the most interesting arrangements.

In Strzelce Krajeńskie the Flower Towers planted with single-colored pansies were set. Each one had a different color of flowers (yellow, white, purple) creating a very impressive effect.

Świnoujście presented asymmetrical, multi-colored spring compositions. The cherry on top were decorative bunny ears placed at the very top of the Flower Tower. Thanks to this procedure, spring has come to the city, but also a sign of the upcoming Easter.

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In Rzepin, the Flower Towers were decorated with white and red (colors of the flag of Poland) pansies. Thanks to this, the spring flower containers in the surroundings of the Monument to the All Fallen (also known as the Eagle Monument) bring solemn, sublime mood.

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Oschatz deserves special attention. The German town presents really impressive flower arrangements every season. Each level of the Flower Towers is decorated with different pansies or daisies.

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Or maybe spring compositions in pots?

The first flowers in the vividly colored large pots from the TerraForm collection are also a good way to bring spring into the city. Polyethylene containers are chosen for public spaces for a reason – the material from which they are made guarantees resistance to mechanical damage and an unchanged color for years. The pots are almost indestructible, so they are an ideal solution for cities at any time of the year.

The first example to follow is Gorzów Wielkopolski! A red, blue and yellow pot is right next to a huge Easter egg. They have been planted with yellow, purple and blue pansies – the whole thing creates a beautiful Easter decoration.

For some time now, Dębno has been proud of the yellow and red Gianto and Sito pots, which already in spring are planted with flowers in various parts of the town. Also they are in the main square, where the pots are integrated with a bench.

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Spring in the city

Plants in public space play a very important role. It is not worth waiting for the summer months with plantings. Flowers can successfully appear at the beginning of March. Thanks to this, not only spring will soon come to the city, but also blooming compositions will enjoy the residents almost all year round.