A good planter gives you a place to start: a few flowers beside the back door, a seasonal display along the patio, or a welcome splash of colour by the entrance. For our first Garden Journal feature, we have chosen the 120 cm wooden trough planter as our Stag & Brae Planter of the Year.
This is our own pick from the range, chosen for its straightforward design, useful proportions and versatility.
Why we picked the 120 cm wooden trough
Handmade in Scotland from pressure-treated timber, this trough measures approximately 120 cm long × 30 cm wide × 25 cm high. Its long, narrow shape makes it a useful option along a patio edge, beside a fence or in a planting arrangement near a doorway. Measure your space first and leave enough room to walk past comfortably.
It arrives fully assembled, so there is no flat-pack build before you begin. The natural timber finish works with colourful flowers or a quieter foliage display. Grain, knots and colour will vary from piece to piece: that is part of working with wood.
What could you plant in it?
Choose plants to suit the available growing depth, sunlight and exposure, rather than appearance alone. The measurements above are overall dimensions, so the usable planting space will be smaller.
For autumn and winter: winter-flowering pansies and violas can bring colour to a container. Heucheras offer foliage interest, while small spring-flowering bulbs can be part of a longer seasonal display. Check each plant's spacing, compost and planting-depth requirements before combining them.
For a display you can change: arrange nursery pots inside the trough, making sure water can escape from both the pots and planter. This lets you try a layout and swap individual plants as the seasons change.
Before you add compost
- Choose the position first. A filled trough is much harder to move.
- Keep drainage open. Check that water can leave the base; if you add a liner, give it drainage openings too.
- Match compost to the plants. Peat-free multipurpose compost suits many seasonal container displays, but some plants need a different mix.
- Leave watering space. Keep the compost below the rim, water after planting and check moisture regularly.
For more detailed planting advice, see the RHS guides to planting up a container and winter container plants.
A handmade starting point for your garden
Our 120 cm trough is supplied as the wooden planter; plants, compost and decorative accessories are not included.
How much is it?
- Planter price: £40.00 before delivery.
- UK mainland delivery: £7.99 per planter.
- Total delivered: £47.99 for one planter.
Prices checked on 10 November 2026. Please check the product page and checkout for the latest price and delivery availability for your address.
Buy the 120 cm wooden trough planter — £47.99 including UK mainland delivery
Need a different shape or size? Explore all our wooden planters, or ask us for help choosing.