All of the pottery in Catriona McLean's collection is either frost proof or frost resistant guaranteed by the manufacturers. However, we must stress that under severe weather conditions frost damage can occur if pots are allowed to become waterlogged, due to bad drainage. When the earth becomes deeply frozen it will expand, and cause stress to the terracotta, which can break and crack the pots. To minimize this we strongly advise you use bubble wrap or thin foam sheeting to line the interior of the pots before planting with earth. Alternatively you can place plastic planters inside the terracotta, which are easily removed, and the pots can be placed in a frost-free area during bad winter weather.

All pottery is hand made by artisans, and although the terracotta is fired to over 1100 degrees centigrade, some of the delicate surface designs can be prone to frost attack if left in a vulnerable exposed site. We always recommend that if you are at all at risk, you should remove your pots to a frost-free area or wrap securely with bubble wrap for extra protection.

Good drainage is essential if planted up with shrubs and perennial planting. The drainage hole must be kept clear by placing pebbles or slate pieces over the hole before earth is put into the pot.

St. Jean and Anduze pottery from France will naturally age over the years, with a patina finish, which adds to their natural beauty.

Natural salts within the terracotta clay may gradually seep through the glaze and exterior surface creating a whitish dust finish (often seen on plain terracotta pottery). This is quite normal and all terracotta must "breathe". If undesired you can simply wash away the salts or allow the rain to do the job!

Nowadays most of the pottery manufacturers use a waterproof silicon paint finish to further protect the terracotta against frost damage, but which allows the terracotta to "breathe".

Always lift the heavy pots carefully, and do not roll them on their feet which can cause damage to the rims and put extra weight on them which may cause the foot to part company from the bowl of the pot. Use a trolley or carefully place in a large wheelbarrow, protected with a blanket when moving around the garden.

Your terracotta will last for many years if well looked after, and if the above guidelines on aftercare and planting are followed.