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...

Author: Nicholas Jones
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.
Recent Articles From Nick
Here is the list of recent articles by Nicholas Jones:
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The History of IOTA Designer Planters Australia to Sigma Planters
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 in Landscape Design
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...
Companion Planting Guide For Planting in Garden Pots and Planters
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...
To Crock or Not to Crock Garden Pots?
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...
Plant Selection for Commercial and High-End Residential Container Gardening in Australia
Container gardening offers a versatile and visually appealing way to enhance commercial and high-end residential properties in Australia. By carefully selecting plants that are suited to the local climate and soil conditions, you can create stunning outdoor spaces...
Choosing the Right Garden Pot Material for Commercial and Large Residential Spaces
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...
Container Gardening: How to Plant Garden Pots and Planter Boxes Guide
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...
How to Grow Herbs in a Container Garden
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...
Alaska GRC White Tall Round Bolla Planters at Rochedale Shopping Village in South Brisbane
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...
Growing Azaleas in Garden Pots: A Comprehensive Australian Guide
Azaleas, with their vibrant blooms and delicate foliage, are a popular addition to Australian gardens. Growing them in pots offers flexibility and allows you to enjoy their beauty even in limited spaces. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to successfully cultivate...
Garden Pots and Planter Boxes Landscape Design Ideas Guide
Looking to elevate your outdoor oasis? Container gardening is a fantastic way to add vibrant life and personality to your patio, balcony, or even your indoor spaces. Whether you choose traditional terracotta or glazed or modern lightweight concrete planters, this...
Growing Wisteria in Pots is Magic!
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...
Growing Ferns in Pots: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Gardeners
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....
Drip Irrigation System for Garden Pots and Planters
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...
Best Tips to Grow Lemon Myrtle Tree in Pots
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...
Growing Bougainvillea in Pots? Just Beautiful!
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 in Pots: A Guide to Growing these Iconic Australian Natives
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 Revelry: Designing with Rectangular Planters
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...
Elevating Modern Landscapes with Charcoal Black Garden Pots
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...
Creating a Statement: The Role of Large Planters in Modern Landscaping
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...
Enhancing Urban Spaces: Large Planter Design in Professional Landscape Architecture
As urban landscapes continue to evolve, large planter design has become a cornerstone of sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environments. These substantial containers are more than just plant holders; they are integral to transforming both commercial and high-end...
How Lightweight Concrete Planters are Changing Commercial Landscaping
Landscaping is Experiencing a Revolution Commercial landscaping is experiencing a revolution largely due to the increasing use of lightweight concrete planters. These innovative planters blend functionality with aesthetic appeal which helps to transform public spaces...
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Pots
Lightweight concrete planters, also called lightweight cement pots, have become a popular choice for gardeners and landscape architects in recent years. They offer a sturdy and stylish option for planting, but it's important to understand the benefits and...
Elevate Your Garden Design with IOTA Australia’s High-Quality Pots and Planters
Introduction Are you looking to elevate the design of your garden or landscaping project? Look no further than IOTA Australia's range of high-quality pots and planters. Our durable pots and planters are recommended for commercial and high-end residential projects and...
Concrete Planter Boxes: A Necessity For Public Spaces
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 planter boxes improve...
Tips for Designing a Better Landscape
Landscaping is an act of making improvements on a piece of land or property in order to improve the visual aesthetic. It is often used to improve an area while providing a practical function. Landscaping can be a very costly endeavor but spending a ton of money isn’t...
Preparing Your Lawn and Garden for Australian Spring
Spring coming to Australia is as good a reason as any to go outside and do some lawn and garden maintenance. Spring gardening is always a good time to enjoy the longer days and the warm breeze. Here are some landscaping tasks that you can do to keep your lawn looking...
What to Do with Old Mulch?
We talked about mulch before and how important it is for maintaining your landscape. For a quick recap, mulching is the process of applying a layer of organic material to the soil. It helps to provide nutrients and preserve moisture. It also helps to protect your...
Garden Elements to Consider for Your Outdoor Space Redesign
Redesigning your own garden is no easy task but it is an enjoyable one. Garden design is key to creating a great ambiance that you’ll love for the years to come. Hiring professionals to do the task is a great step to save time and avoid any costly errors. These...