Author: Nicholas Jones

Nicholas Jones has been a garden enthusiast since childhood, helping his grandfather tend a garden in North Balwyn, a leafy Melbourne suburb. Although he went on to build a career in business, he kept growing much of his own food and never lost the habit of a hands-on gardener.

NickjTo formalise that passion, he studied horticulture at Melbourne University’s Burnley School of Horticulture in 2002. Burnley has been a centre for urban horticulture teaching and research since 1891, based within the heritage-listed Burnley Gardens.

In 2003, Nicholas founded Gardenware, sourcing high-quality garden tools and equipment from around the world, before launching IOTA Australia in 2008 under the UK-based IOTA Garden and Home. Now rebranded as Sigma Planters and 100% Australian-owned, the business has spent over 15 years supplying planters to builders, landscapers, and architects across the country.

These days, Nicholas is more likely to be found at the Saturday market with his wife, children, and border collies than kneeling in the garden bed — but his horticultural training still comes up daily in sales calls with clients working through plant selection, drainage, and sizing questions. Sigma Planters’ plant care and container gardening content is written by our content team and reviewed by Nicholas to reflect that real-world, on-the-ground expertise.

Follow Nick:

Trees in Pots: How to Grow & Care for Container Trees

Trees in Pots: How to Grow & Care for Container Trees

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....

Garden Pots and Planter Boxes Landscape Design Guide

Garden Pots and Planter Boxes Landscape Design Guide

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...

Landscape Design Ideas for Large Commercial Planters

Landscape Design Ideas for Large Commercial Planters

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...

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Pots

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Pots

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...

How to Grow Agaves in Pots, A Great and Stylish Choice

How to Grow Agaves in Pots, A Great and Stylish Choice

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...

Concrete Planter Boxes: A Necessity For Public Spaces

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 concrete planter boxes...

Round Garden Pots and Planters in Landscape Design

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...

How to Clean and Maintain your Fibreglass Outdoor Planters

How to Clean and Maintain your Fibreglass Outdoor Planters

Fibreglass outdoor planters are a top choice for Australian landscapers and designers due to their versatility, lightweight nature, and durability. They stand up to harsh weather and offer endless design options, making them a popular feature in outdoor spaces. To...

How to Grow Herbs in a Container Garden

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...

The Pitfalls of Plant Drip Trays: A Closer Look

The Pitfalls of Plant Drip Trays: A Closer Look

For many indoor gardeners, the humble plant drip tray is seen as a non-negotiable accessory. We’re told they protect our floors, catch the run-off, and keep things tidy. But if you’ve ever mopped up a muddy spill from a pristine carpet or noticed your favourite...

Drip Irrigation System for Garden Pots and Planters

Drip Irrigation System for Garden Pots and Planters

This guide gives you a clear and simple overview of drip irrigation systems for large planter gardens. These systems deliver water directly to plant roots, saving water and reducing waste. In Australia’s tough climate—with scorching heat and unpredictable rain—a...

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