Cleft Oak Planter

Tabi Jackson Gee, Jack Ritson

These oak planters celebrate the raw beauty of cleft oak, using the irregular shapes and sizes of the timber itself to form an inverted and distinct outline. The planters flare out at the bottom and the oak is suspended from the ground to prevent water damage.

Co-designed by furniture maker Jack Ritson – and garden designer and Them Outdoors founder Tabi Jackson Gee – the pair gave themselves a brief to create planters with personality, that could be scaled up or down.

The pieces also rely heavily on Jack’s skills and brilliant affinity to his materials. “The oak had to split well into small sections as well as being from a tree that had no twist” explains Jack, who also works as a forester at Westonbirt, the National Arboretum. “Using a cleaving break, thin sections of oak were riven or split. These sizes were critical, as I wanted the finished product to keep the natural riven appearance, rather than having to work the face afterwards.

The pieces were then shaped, using a drawknife and axe into a specific taper to match the planters. The frame beneath is galvanised and so coupled with naturally long lasting oak and copper, these planters will last for many years in all weathers.”

Each piece is handmade by Jack and will have its own unique variations. Please enquire for bespoke options and further sizes.

Ideally these planters should be positioned on a hard surface such as a terrace or gravel. Avoid long term positioning on grass as the feet will settle and cause the oak to touch the grass. Oak will weather and age, silvering over time – a natural process we encourage you to enjoy.