Turn a terracotta pot into a work of art with a painted finish. Try a row of three or five (odd numbers seem to work best), or a single pot made into a feature like these below.

Painted checks

Bright checks make this pot, pictured above, stand out in the crowd. It can be used indoors or out. Create one of your own using your favourite colours. Full article: Painted checks.

Stencilled dots

Red and green are complementary colours and they work well with plants. The strong colours are also effective with the simplicity of the design. Full article: Stencilled dots.

Marbling

A marble pot may be beyond the reach of most gardeners, but the painted finish used on this terracotta pot achieves the same result much more economically. Full article: Marbling.

Sponging

A simple sponged finish will enhance a terracotta pot without drawing the eye away from the plant it holds. Full article: Sponging.

Mosaic

This beautiful mosaic pot is a true work of art. The green and orange colours - accentuated by the wavy band of coppery tiles - hint at exotic landscapes. Full article: Mosaic.

Stamped bees

What could be more whimsical than a garden pot decorated with bees? If you don't want a swarm of them, just stamp on a few! Full article: Bees.

Crackling

Olive on navy gives a subtle finish to this garden pot, but you can also gain more dramatic effects with brighter colours. Full article: Crackling.

Cord trim

This contemporary version of an old-style garlanded terracotta pot looks very special. Place it on a patio or balcony where it can be seen to best advantage. Full article: Cord trim.