Christmas is not far away. With many shops closed it can be tricky for shoppers to find something special for loved ones. 2020 has been a strange year for everyone and probably not one we all want to remember. However, through the shadows we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of so many. From our customers, suppliers, fellow garden industry people to our community, there has been a lot of love. We will never forget this and will always be grateful. Likewise, in our personal lives it’s been a year to realise just how important our loved ones are. Are customers are feeling this too. That’s why at Chilstone HQ we have been asked for more engraved items than ever before, to make things personal, to seal in memories and special times. We don’t normally create a gift guide but what’s normal anymore? So with Christmas fast approaching here’s some inspiration for gift ideas that will last, for the gardeners you love.

Statues for under the tree

These statues are small enough to wrap and put under the tree, but are large enough to make a beautiful garden feature. (please be careful with your backs, they are still made of the finest cast stone!)

The Moon Gazing Hare was featured in our weathering guide and is very popular. This sweet statue adds interest and is perfect for adding magic and wonder to gardens that grandchildren will adore too!

Seb Wylder’s Moon Gazing Hares.

This Small Owl statue is new to our range. With detailed feathers this statue creates an impressive focal point all year round. This versatile statue can be displayed on a pedestal, wall or patio.

Seb Wylder’s Small Owl statue.

We couldn’t offer gift guide without mentioning the iconic stylised Dove statue. This classic is perennially popular and has been a signature piece on our award winning stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for many years! Perfect for a pair of love birds!

Classic Chilstone, Stylised Doves statue.

Joy and cheer

These Punk Potters have quite a following on Instagram. This punky pair of planters make a fun addition to the garden. Plant up any “hairstyle” you like and have fun changing it each season. These are extremely popular so be quick to avoid disappointment!

Punk Potters!

With beautiful detailing this large Barn Owl statue, designed by Seb Wylder is striking. Why not engrave the base or pedestal with a poetic message to make it extra special?

Large Barn Owl statue designed by Seb Wylder.

Garden only gifts

These beautiful editions are too large to fit in Santa’s sack, but they look fantastic all year round. With a wide rim to maximise planting space,the Hurlingham Bowl is raised on a pedestal. This makes gardening easier, with less bending, while displaying your floral arrangements at eye level. This feature planter has a delicate band around the top and an elegant round shape.

Hurlingham Bowl and Pedestal (Photo by David Bartholomew)

The Harewood Jardiniere in contrast, is a highly decorative planter to create a statement. The handmade basket weave design on grand lion’s feet is a traditional planter with maximum impact! Plant it with cascading flowers for dramatic displays!

Harewood Jardiniere (Garden designed by Kate Ball).

Personal perfection

One way to make your gift unique is to add engraving. Add a personal message to a bench, sundial, birdbath or pedestal to carve in stone how you feel about someone special, so they’ll never forget! This bench was engraved as a romantic wedding gift with the words of the song from the first dance by the happy couple.

Engraved Chilstone Magna Carta Bench and dove statue.

Our talented engraver has appeared on the BBC and worked on a wide range of commissions. He even replicated some treasured children’s characters, Charlie and Lola for then Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child!

Nigel Hartfield keeping a traditional art form alive at Chilstone.

A Moment in time

Our sundial plinths are forever popular as gifts to remember important times in our lives and loved ones. We have a wide range on offer so please contact our team to discuss your needs. From large feature plinths for armillary spheres to petite curved classics, these can also be engraved so please just ask. We may even have a few vintage items available if you are collectors.

Chilstone sundial plinth with armillary.

Chilstone baluster sundial plinth

Indoor delights

For the green-fingered without a garden or for those who just love to grow indoors too, our planters can make a statement for larger houseplants. Available in a range of shades to compliment your decor.

A pair of Chilstone small Hadlow Troughs show off tropical foliage.

Or why not try a larger urn with sleek lines to create a fantastic display of plants? Just be mindful of which room this will fit in. Cast stone is heavy and more suitable for solid floors downstairs.

Or plant up an indoor display in Chilstone’s Buckland Urn.

Larger investment

Embrace the bleakness of winter to come with these dramatic, stately garden ornaments. The leaves may be bare but these large pieces definitely make a statement! The ultimate garden investment for Christmas and years to come!

Chilstone’s Pope’s urn making a striking focal point along a tree-lined avenue.

Chilstone’s Northbourne Finial on frosty lawn.

A frozen fountain at the Chilstone show garden.

Handmade in Kent

All our cast stone is handmade in Kent, the same way it has been for seven decades. We make sure it is properly cured to ensure the finest quality. More versatile and affordable than carved stone, but just as long lasting, our pieces will naturally weather to bring joy in your garden for years to come.

Our phone lines are open seven days a week. Call 01892 740866 or email office@chilstone.com and our friendly team can advise you. We also make bespoke items on request. Please just ask.

Our skilled crafts people make all our range by hand in our workshop without any machinery.

Have a wonderful Christmas!