If you're short on space or like your flowers year round, garden planters are the way to go. Whether free-standing, mounted or attached to window sills, these miniature gardens are moveable and can be arranged to suit your needs. Better yet, planters are made from a number of different types of materials, so you can choose one which works for you and looks best in or outside of your home. These are just a few of those materials.

Resin

Ever heard of term “fantastic plastic?” That's basically what resin garden planters are. Made from a high-grade polymer, resin can be shaped and decorated almost any which way. Want the look and feel of clay pots minus the hassle? Try resin. These garden planters are durable enough to be placed outdoors without cracking or chipping, but lightweight enough that they can easily be transported. Resin is a popular choice among commercial facilities like golf courses and hotels, for its ability to look great indoors and out with minimal maintenance required. Choose from any color or size you can think of; resin is a perfect choice for larger planting jobs, like bushes and trees.

Stone

Stone is one of those traditional materials used in garden planters which give an authentic antique feel to any garden setting. Used for centuries in Europe, dry cast stone is strong and long-lasting. Today, many of these planters are made from sandstone, with a dry mix technique that also incorporates concrete. Though limited in color and finish, stone can be constructed into a number of original designs and shapes and is good for large sizes. However, as one would assume, stone is extremely heavy and is the wrong choice for you if you plan on moving your garden planters around a lot.

Concrete

Similar to stone, concrete garden planters cannot be beat as far as durability and resistance to weather damage. However, like stone concrete is very heavy. Made from poured concrete, these planters come in multiple shades and finishes for an overall look that is elegant and professional. Garden planters can come with or without drain holes, but make sure you find the right spot to put them the first time; moving these guys around is not easy.

Clay

One of the most revered craft traditions throughout history has been pottery and the molding of clay. From our Native Americans ancestors to more exotic locales, clay has been an invaluable and easy to come by material whose water-holding abilities has sustained many a culture. Today, many clay garden planters are still made by hand, some locally and other imported via countries like Vietnam. The color of clay varies from a medium chocolate to more reddish browns, and planters usually come with a glossy high fire finish. Being handmade, each planter is one-of-a-kind. Clay is also hardy for outdoor use. Waterproof, resistant to frost and heat made for admirable qualities, but clay is not indestructible and may over time crack.

Metal

An elegant choice for garden planters and outdoor furniture alike, metal can also have an elegant and antiquated look to it. Different metals have different properties. For example, aluminum is a light silvery metal which is lightweight and easiest to move around, while wrought iron, though heavier, has that typical English garden feel. Whatever metal you choose, make sure planters are coating with a rust inhibitor sealant like a zinc primer. Even then, the natural wear and tear over time could lead to rusting or paint chipping.