Any piece which can hold water, snow or ice, such as a planter, birdbath/fountain top or shell, and any piece which is placed directly on the ground surface, such as a statue, birdbath/fountain base, planter or bench leg, can be damaged by the winter freeze-thaw cycles. To minimize any possible winter damage, please follow the simple suggestions listed below.

Birdbaths, Benches & Statuary
We suggest that birdbath tops not be left outside in the winter. Once the top fills with water and/or snow and freezes, the top may crack. All birdbath bases, bench legs and statuary should be raised up off the ground in winter so they will not freeze to the ground surface.

Polyethylene Planters
While polyethylene planters can be left outdoors in winter, we recommend that they be raised up off the ground surface to ensure proper drainage.

Glazed and Terra Cotta
Terra cotta and earthenware are always slightly porous; this constitutes a risk in winter. When the temperature drops below freezing, any water present in the pot walls will freeze and expand. This will cause the pot wall to spall and can ultimately destroy the pot. Any pot made of a non-elastic material is at risk if left outside unprotected in winter. Accordingly, we recommend that they be stored in a frost-free covered area in winter.

Cast Iron Collection
All cast iron pieces will rust over time, which is part of the inherent beauty of iron containers. If you wish to retain the finish as purchased, consult your local hardware store for clear sealant products which are commercially available to preserve the finish. While our cast iron containers are durable, we still recommend that proper winter care as set forth above is followed.

Fountains
Ideally, a fountain should be stored indoors in the winter away from the elements. However, if a fountain bowl must be left outside, remove all pumps, rubber stoppers, drain pipes, finials and small components, and cover the top in accordance with the planter instructions above, making sure that water does not accumulate in the basin and freeze. Fountain pumps, finials, and other small components should be stored indoors. Check the fountain periodically to insure that plastic is secure and water is not accumulating in any fountain component.