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Sigma Planters Pty Ltd
Trusted by Building and Landscape Professionals Since 2008
Nicholas Jones has been a garden enthusiast since childhood, helping his grandfather in his North Balwyn garden (a Melbourne suburb). Although he pursued a career in business, he maintained his own garden and grew much of his own food.
To combine these passions, he studied horticulture in 2002 at Melbourne University’s Burnley School of Horticulture, a centre for urban horticulture teaching and research since 1891, is located within the beautiful, heritage-listed Burnley Gardens.
In 2003, Nicholas founded Gardenware, dedicated to sourcing high-quality garden tools and equipment worldwide. In 2008, he launched IOTA Australia under the banner of the UK-based IOTA Garden and Home.
While Nicholas now prefers shopping for fruits and vegetables at the Saturday market with his wife, children, and border collies rather than getting his hands dirty in the soil, he still draws on his extensive horticultural knowledge daily in sales calls with IOTA clients. His articles expand on these conversations, exploring client questions in detail, from the basics of planting in containers to drainage solutions and plant selection.
Here is the list of recent articles by Nicholas Jones:
For commercial landscaping and urban design, large commercial planter boxes transcend mere decoration; they become powerful tools for shaping environments, defining spaces, and injecting life into hardscaped areas. From welcoming entrances and vibrant outdoor dining...
Container gardening transcends mere horticultural convenience; it’s a creative rebellion against spatial limitations. Introducing trees in pots allows gardeners to infuse not only colour, texture, but a vertical drama and scale into terraces, rooftops, or entryways....
Landscape design is fundamentally about creating harmonious and functional outdoor spaces. Whether using planter boxes or cultivating directly in the earth, the core principles of effective landscape design remain constant. Here are some of the timeless design...
Looking for some inspiration for your container gardening project? Whether you are planning on using a Planter Box, Cube Pot, or Round Planters, we have some inspiring ideas here for you. If fact, we have gathered 125 container garden ideas and tips so grab a cuppa...
Using extra-large outdoor planter pots offers a remarkably efficient way to introduce significant visual interest and structural definition to your garden design, often requiring minimal physical exertion for maximum aesthetic return. Their inherent versatility allows...
Lightweight concrete planters, also referred to as GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) or lightweight cement pots, have become an increasingly popular choice for our clients at Sigma Planters. So much so that you will see our most extensive range of shapes and sizes is...
Agave plants, particularly Agave attenuata, have long been favored by landscapers, home gardeners, and succulent enthusiasts—and for excellent reasons. Not only do these striking succulents exhibit gorgeous, sculptural foliage, but they also tend to thrive with...
Planting bamboo in garden planter boxes has become an increasingly effective and efficient landscape solution, offering benefits ranging from increased privacy to the creation of a tropical oasis. Blending striking visual appeal with practical functionality, bamboo...
Concrete planter boxes can be a valuable addition to the landscape architecture of public spaces. These sturdy and versatile structures can be used to add greenery and natural beauty to otherwise dull and lifeless urban environments. Not only do concrete planter boxes...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IOTA Australia Rebrands as Sigma Planters, Ushering in a New Era of Expansion Australia’s Leading Online Planter Supplier Secures $1M+ Funding, Opens New Warehouses in Sydney and Melbourne, and Embraces Fresh Identity BRISBANE, Australia – [17...
Early Days With a passion for gardening and business, I studied horticulture at the University of Melbourne’s Burnley Campus and business at Swinburne University. This led to the founding of Gardenware in 2003—a mail-order business specialising in high-end,...
Round garden pots and planters are a classic and versatile choice for adding beauty and structure to any landscape design. Their soft curves and organic shapes complement a variety of architectural styles and plant life, making them a popular option for both home...
Growing your own vegetables is an incredibly rewarding endeavour, providing you with fresh, nutritious produce right at your doorstep. While many gardeners traditionally rely on in-ground garden beds, container gardening in Planter Boxes offers a wonderful...
An old gardening tip, often passed down through generations, suggests lining the bottom of pots with coarse materials like gravel, stones, or broken china to improve drainage. This practice, known as crocking, is often touted as a must-do. However, while it may have...
Container gardening offers a versatile and visually appealing way to enhance commercial and high-end residential properties in Australia - if the right plants are chosen. By carefully selecting plants that are suited to the local climate and soil conditions, you can...
Selecting the perfect pot for your cherished plants is more than just an aesthetic choice. The material of your planter significantly impacts plant health, longevity, and overall garden aesthetics. From the classic terracotta and ceramic, to modern fibreglass planters...
Want to turn your planter into a container garden work of art? Garden pots, especially Lightweight Fibreglass Planters, are a versatile and impactful way to enhance outdoor spaces, whether you're looking to elevate your home or enhance the street appeal of your...
Growing herbs, especially in Large Planters, is a convenient and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavourful produce right at your fingertips. Whether you have a small balcony, a rooftop terrace, or a limited backyard space, container gardening offers a versatile...
IOTA supplied 14 x Alaska GRC White Tall Round Bolla 680 garden pots to Rochedale Shopping Village in South Brisbane. These planters are fibreglass with a concrete finish and were chosen to enhance the outdoor area and introduce greenery to the front of the shops. The...
Azaleas, with their vibrant blooms and delicate foliage, are a popular addition to Australian gardens. Growing them in pots and planter boxes offers flexibility and allows you to enjoy their beauty even in limited spaces. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to...
While plant drip trays are often praised as a practical solution for preventing water damage and maintaining a tidy garden planter box space, they can create more mess than they prevent and may ultimately harm your plants. This article will explore the drawbacks of...
The wisteria plant has very impressive blooms that smell really sweet in springtime. Growing wisteria in pots can be very rewarding, allowing you to enjoy their stunning blooms and fragrant flowers even in limited spaces. The larger the planter the better it will grow...
Ferns are versatile and attractive plants that can thrive in containers, making them an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor planter boxes in Australia. With millions of years of history, ferns typically grow in forests, on rocky hills, and in sandy areas....
This guide provides a concise overview of drip irrigation systems tailored specifically for large planter gardens, highlighting their efficiency in delivering water directly to plant roots while minimising waste. In Australia’s diverse climate, where gardens face...
Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a versatile and aromatic Australian native tree that can be successfully grown in pots, making it accessible for gardeners with limited space or those living in cooler climates. This guide will walk you through the process of...
Bougainvillea is a vibrant tropical plant that thrives in Australia's diverse climate. When grown in pots, it's perfect for adding a splash of colour to patios, balconies, and gardens. This guide covers everything from selecting the right variety to caring for your...
Kangaroo Paws (Anigozanthos species) are iconic Australian native plants known for their unique, furry flowers that resemble a kangaroo's paw. These striking plants are not only beautiful additions to gardens but also thrive in large garden planter boxes, making them...
Rectangular planters, often overlooked, are surprisingly adaptable. From cozy indoor corners to expansive outdoor spaces, their versatility allows them to fit seamlessly into any design. The clean lines provide a versatile canvas for your design. Whether you're aiming...
Charcoal black garden pots add a touch of modern elegance to any outdoor space. Their sleek design complements both contemporary architecture and natural settings. From modern homes to commercial landscapes, charcoal and black planters offer a versatile and timeless...
Large Planters in Modern Landscaping As our professional clients well understand, landscaping is a harmonious blend of art and science, designed to enhance outdoor spaces both aesthetically and functionally. Large planters have emerged as pivotal design elements in...