Pottery Knife: “Brown is also a color”

With the appearance of seeds, dead leaves, plant debris and withered flowers, the end of the gardening cycle announces itself. For many herbaceous perennials that are not evergreen, this means they retreat underground during winter while the above-ground parts die off before the cold sets in. The arrival of autumn signals the time to cut back plants, while winter is the season of waiting for spring. But as Piet Oudolf, known for his four-season gardens, says: “Brown is also a colour”. So, it’s not always necessary to cut everything down as soon as the leaves fall.

The beauty of winter silhouettes

Spent plants offer a surprising added value to the winter landscape that is often overlooked. The architectural forms of seed heads, faded flowers and stems create beautiful silhouettes against the winter sky, especially when covered in a layer of frost or snow. These structures not only provide visual enjoyment but also offer vital shelter and food sources for birds and insects. Species like Sedum, Echinacea, Verbena bonariensis and ornamental grass Miscanthus retain their structure deep into winter. By being selective in what you cut back in autumn, you create a dynamic garden that remains engaging even in the coldest months and actively supports biodiversity. Additionally, a winter garden full of height variation, texture and natural elements provides a picturesque view from indoors on dark days.

In spring, the underground parts of the plants slowly start to grow again. Perennials expand from the centre outwards, meaning that the youngest and most vigorous shoots grow on the outer edges, while the centre becomes less productive. When you notice this happening, it’s time to rejuvenate the plant by dividing or splitting it. Dividing promotes the vitality of the plant and also naturally increases your plant stock. Additionally, relocating divided plants is an excellent way to fill in bare spots in the garden.

To divide a plant, you first need to loosen it from the pot. This can be tricky when roots have become intertwined with the porous sections of a container. To make this process faster and easier, we developed the container knife in 2019 – and it was even nominated in 2020 at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! The container knife is specially designed to support both amateur and professional gardeners in carefully loosening plants from pots and containers.

1. To cut through the roots, you work with both forward and backward movements. The container knife is razor-sharp on both sides, allowing for a smooth cut without damaging the root structure.
2. The handle is designed to prevent your hand from slipping during use in either direction. This enhances safety and control, especially when working with dense root balls.
3. Thanks to its length and flexibility, the knife can be used in all kinds of pots and containers. From small decorative pots to large tubs – the container knife adapts with ease.
4. The rectangular tip with a sharp edge is perfect for cutting roots that have grown through the drainage hole. This makes it possible to work efficiently even with heavily rooted plants without damaging the pot.

With the container knife, you work more efficiently, safely and with greater pleasure in the garden. It is an essential tool for every gardener who wants to keep their plants healthy and smoothly manage their gardening cycle.