The Churchill™ commissioned as a collection, where repetition of form creates rhythm, scale and architectural presence within the landscape.
Churchill™ Versailles Planter
Handmade to order in Accoya™ in the UK
Popular Churchill Planter Dimensions
L x W x H cm – (Height excludes finials)
56 x 56 x 60
76 x 76 x 80
95 x 95 x 102
Made to order in smaller or substantially larger dimensions, with framework, panels and finials proportioned to retain the architectural integrity of the Churchill™ design.
An Interpretation of the Versailles Orangery Planter
The Churchill™ is our interpretation of the classic Versailles planter, combining architectural elegance with the practical requirements of substantial outdoor planting.
Inspired by the seventeenth-century caisses de Versailles, its design reflects the grandeur of the French royal gardens, where these distinctive planters accommodated citrus trees and specimen planting.
We reinterpret this historic design through the disciplines of fine cabinet making and traditional joinery.
Each Churchill™ is individually made to order and can now be commissioned in Oak and Iroko, alongside our established Accoya™ version. Carefully considered proportions and integral hand-turned finials give the Churchill™ its distinctive architectural character.
A Timber Interpretation Designed for Direct Planting
Rather than reproducing the traditional combination of timber and cast metal, the Churchill™ is made entirely in timber and engineered for direct planting without relying upon a secondary planting container for its structural integrity.
Four removable panels provide direct access to the root system for long-term inspection and maintenance, without first having to remove a separate liner or disturb the established planting.
Engineered for Scale
From modest garden settings to grand architectural schemes, the Churchill™ is proportioned to its intended scale, preserving the symmetry, visual balance and distinctive character of the Versailles design.
As dimensions increase, the sectional proportions of the timber framework, panel construction and structural requirements are reassessed to accommodate the considerable loads imposed by soil, water and established planting.
This considered approach ensures that each commission retains its architectural presence, structural integrity and refinement, regardless of scale.
Request your personalised quotation:
Churchill™ commissions begin from £2,600, with final pricing determined by dimensions, timber, finish and specification.
Whether framing an entrance, defining a terrace or accommodating a specimen tree, tell us about your project and we can advise on the appropriate proportions and specification for its setting.
Churchill™ Versailles Planter Gallery
Explore Churchill™ planters in gardens, terraces, entrances and architectural settings, from individual planters and matching pairs to grand-scale collections
The Versailles Orangery Tradition
The tradition behind the Versailles planter dates to the great formal gardens of seventeenth-century France, where orange and other specimen trees were grown in substantial containers so they could be moved under cover during winter.
At Versailles, the Orangery created for Louis XIV by Jules Hardouin-Mansart has a central gallery extending more than 150 metres. Its immense scale provided winter protection for the King’s celebrated collection of citrus and exotic trees.
The tradition continues today. More than 1,000 containers of orange trees, palms, oleanders, pomegranates and other plants are displayed across the Orangery parterre during the warmer months before returning under cover for winter.
It is this relationship between architecture, planting and practicality that inspired our interpretation of the Versailles planter, the Churchill™.
Churchill™ Versailles Planter FAQs
Is the Churchill™ suitable for specimen trees?
Yes. The Churchill™ is designed for substantial specimen planting, with its engineering considered according to scale, planting and anticipated internal load.
Can I plant directly into a Churchill™ planter?
Yes. The Churchill™ is designed for direct planting without relying upon a secondary planting container for structural integrity. Four removable panels provide direct access to the root system for long-term inspection and maintenance.
What timber is the Churchill™ available in?
The Churchill™ can be commissioned in Oak, Iroko or A1 Grade Accoya™. Oak and Iroko offer a natural timber finish, while Accoya™ is particularly suited to a professionally applied painted finish.