One of the most common questions we hear is what to do with a
garden fountain or accessory in areas where freezes are common.
Proper winter care is required for all cast stone, fiberglass,
ceramic, and terra cotta products to protect them from the
freeze-thaw cycles which occur during the winter. Any garden
fountain or statuary that can hold water, snow, or ice, such as
a planter or birdbath can be damaged by the winter freeze-thaw
cycle. Below are some suggestions for minimizing the possibility
of damage to your garden fountains and accessories.
1. Original Placement
Try to always place your statuary, benches or birdbaths on a
firm, solid foundation and not directly on open soil, grass,
or uneven surfaces. While this seems basic, consider that
accumulated water or ice can make a fountain imbalanced, and
can cause a garden fountain or birdbath to topple.
2. Cast Stone & Concrete Benches/Bird baths/Statuary/Shells
If at all possible, bird bath tops should not remain outside in
winter because if it fills with water, snow, or ice and freezes,
the natural expansion effect will cause the top to crack. All
birdbaths should be stored indoors in winter, be it garage or
garden shed. Also, concrete or cast stone bench legs, decorative
statuary, and garden fountains should be raised off the ground
in the winter to avoid the possible damage which could result
if the product freezes to the ground surface.
3. Products made from Cast Stone or Concrete
For planters to be left in place, with plants in them, over the
winter, here are a few suggestions. First, raise it off the
ground. This can best be accomplished by placing two pressure
treated wood planks under the edges of the planter. Take care
not to block the drainage hole. Contact with the wet ground
during a freeze-thaw cycle could cause your planters to crack,
chip, or crumble. Secondly, if possible, bring the planter
indoors during the winter. Even if it is in a cold, unheated
garage, at least it will be dry. Third, if you must leave an
unplanted container outdoors during the winter, turn it upside
down, on the aforementioned treated lumber stripes, and cover
with burlap or other absorbent material, and then cover with
thick, dark plastic, like lawn & leaf trash bags.
4. Polyethylene Planters/Statuary
Poly (plastic and related materials) garden planters and
decorative statuary are lightweight, mostly durable, resistant
to extreme temperature fluctuations, and UV resistant. Some
color variation is common due to the molding production process.
The mold production process may cause color variation, which
enhances the natural beauty of the product. Keep clean and dry
in winter, and if a poly planter or fountain is left outside
for the winter, cover it to keep water from accumulating.
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