At Forge & Foundry, we believe that traditional metalware should be as functional as it is beautiful. Our collection of galvanised troughs and planters is designed to endure the British elements, slowly maturing from a bright finish to a distinguished, leaden-grey patina.
To help you achieve a professional display that thrives year-round, we have curated this guide on the best botanical pairings for our signature ranges.
The Large Trough: Structure and Scale (Up to 125cm)
Our large-scale troughs are the "heavyweights" of the garden. At 125cm wide, they provide a significant soil volume, making them the perfect candidate for permanent, architectural planting. These are ideal for creating natural boundaries, privacy screens, or "instant hedging" on a terrace.
-
Top Recommendation: Lavender & Rosemary. For a classic English country look, a long trough filled with Lavandula angustifolia or upright Rosemary is unbeatable. The silvery foliage sits in perfect harmony with the galvanised steel, and the metal helps retain the warmth these Mediterranean herbs crave.
-
Architectural Evergreens: If you require year-round privacy, Standard Bay Trees (Laurus nobilis) or Buxus cones provide a formal, stately appearance that grounds a large patio.
-
Seasonal Bedding: For a burst of colour, Primulas and Pansies offer a cheerful contrast against the rugged metal during the cooler months, as seen in our traditional garden displays.
If you are working with our Small Troughs (97cm), the opportunity lies in versatility. These are the perfect companions for windowsills, low walls, or kitchen doorsteps. We love seeing these used as a "cutting garden" for the home cook—brimming with Thyme, Chives, and Mint. Alternatively, for a sophisticated foliage display, a repeated planting of Heucheras in deep purples or vibrant limes creates a striking, velvety contrast against the steel.
The Ribbed Dolly Tubs: A Nod to Heritage
Our trio of Ribbed Dolly Tubs is a tribute to Victorian utility, reimagined for the modern patio. Because of their vertical, tapered silhouette, these planters cry out for plants with a bit of "lift."
As a set, these tubs have a combined weight of 8.5 kg, making each individual planter perfectly manageable to position while remaining sturdy enough to stand firm against the British breeze.
-
The Large (38cm H x 38cm W): A grand sense of ceremony. This is the perfect home for a Standard Olive Tree or a Standard Rose, especially when used in pairs to frame a garden path.
-
The Medium (35cm H x 33cm W): An ideal mid-point for textural movement. Ornamental Grasses, such as Carex or Festuca, offer a soft, swaying contrast that beautifully offsets the industrial, vertical ribbing.
-
The Small (32cm H x 28.5cm W): Perfect for seasonal pops of colour. We recommend Primulas or Pansies for a cheerful, traditional greeting near a doorway.
The Chevron Range offers a more rhythmic, geometric aesthetic. These are our tallest individual planters, reaching up to 44cm in height, making them the ideal choice for gardeners looking to add height to a terrace or frame a large set of French doors.
Because the Chevron pattern is quite distinctive, we recommend choosing plants with simple, clean lines to avoid "visual clutter."
-
The Large (44cm H x 37cm W): This is a substantial vessel that can comfortably house larger shrubs. We love seeing Standard Holly Trees or Bay Cones in these; the sharp evergreen leaves provide a beautiful contrast to the repeating V-shape of the metal.
-
The Medium (40cm H x 33cm W): Perfect for a burst of seasonal height. Consider Foxgloves (Digitalis) or Lupins. The verticality of the flower spikes mirrors the height of the planter, creating a balanced, professional look.
The Small (37cm H x 28cm W): A wonderful size for a "winter warmer" display. Plant this up with Red-stemmed Dogwood or silver-leafed Calocephalus to lean into that crisp, industrial aesthetic during the colder months.
To see our full range, CLICK HERE
