FAQs
Q
What makes you different from other companies selling Terracotta pots available from garden centres and on line?
When it comes to pots, Cretan Terracotta pots are superior, we have worked with a four generation family in Crete for over 4 years and they have produced old Minoan pots as well as many more modern unique designs.
Our Cretan terracotta is all made in one workshop under the supervision of a greatly experienced master potter, that has been handed down over many generations.
All pots we supply were made exclusively to our commission and are imported by us to the UK in large truck quantities and twice a year in our own vans when Adam visits his property on Crete. We have large stocks for immediate dispatch and take preorders for special pots or large quantities.
Q
Do you have a showroom?
Yes (and no). Adam spent 20 years selling Teak garden furniture at various private sale sites throughout, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Warwickshire, this type of selling pots direct to customers continues, a list of shows can be found on the contact page.
We have a small showroom in Hampshire which is available only by appointment, with no minimum expected purchase, again details on the contact page.
Q
Are your pots frost-resistant?
Terracotta has a bad rap for splitting in frosty/freezing weather, and quite rightly so. The vast majority of the terracotta pots on the market are poorly made, mostly machine manufactured or from north Africa using inferior clay and firing to lower temperatures. While cheaper, the old adage that you get what you pay for rings true here, with Cretan terracotta is much more frost resistant than any other terracotta on the market. The Scandinavians are the largest sector of Cretan second homes, and they long for a bit of Crete back at their Scandinavian homes and therefore large purchasers of Cretan Terracotta pots that are shipped to Scandinavian countries.
Q
Do your Cretan terracotta pots come with drainage holes?
Yes is the answer, 1 hole up to 4 holes for pots 90 cm high and upwards.
Any terracotta pot for use outdoors must have at least one drainage hole (one is sufficient). Without the drainage hole, water can collect in the pot which could freeze in the winter, causing it to crack
Q
Can Cretan terracotta pots be painted?
Yes. The Cretans do it all the time. However, in our opinion the natural terracotta, especially when it starts to weather and develops a patina, is the best look.
Q
What happens if an item is out of stock?
Normally, if an item sells out, we have more on back order and the website will state when stock is due in. If you see an out of stock item without this date, or you want a design or specific size, height/width you can pre order these using the contact page.
Usually, in season, we would have a new shipping container arriving every 6 – 8 weeks, so wait times are generally in that order – over winter we generally stop importing so the lead time could be up to 3 months.