Bill, I've had two foam containers outdoors for at least 5 years now. They have never split. The only problem I've had, is that the plant that hangs over the rim of the pot has caused the finish to degrade so when I need to prune that plant back, it doesn't look very pretty before it grows back in. I could refinish it I guess, but I haven't. I feel like I've gotten my money's worth out of them. I haven't repotted the plants in them and I should have. I'm not sure how it will work out when I attempt that, after 5 years. I have another pot that I like better, that I also have left outside all winter. I really don't know what the material is that they are made of, it's nothing that I'm familiar with. I've never seen them again since that one time I bought them, or I'd buy more of them. The only reason I like the other pot better, is that I don't feel good about using styrofoam that has such a long life and doesn't break down in land fills. I have one guess about what the material is and I'm sure I'm wrong, but it might give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Have you ever seen those pegboards that are made for the wall of your garage. The old fashioned kind that are not plastic, but are some sort of pressed material? It reminds me of that, but it's weatherproof, with some kind of paint finish. I'd take a photo but I don't think it would help unless they were empty and I could show you the inside of them and they're still full of mums. I would like stone or concrete, but they are so heavy, I just can't see dealing with them, but they are organic. Metal is also an organic material and will withstand weather but I don't want the upkeep of dealing with it when it rusts.

I received my box from Ann last night. Ann, Thanks so much! Ann sent 5 magazines (2 craft) (2 seed) (1 Taste of Home), plus seeds- "Cigar plant" "Columbine/purple/white" "Money plant" "Shasta Daisy" "Hibiscus-dinner sized plate" and 2 Calligraphy gift bags, frog decoration for outdoors, body lotion (Winterberry), BIG BAG OF PEANUT M&M's (my favorite), Tulips/red/coral, beautiful Angel windchime, terra cotta heart candle, Magic message plant! Oh, and a sunflower flower pot (so cute). Ann, I loved it all! Thanks so much for such a nice box! Ok, everyone received the packages for the month. I'll start October's swap sign-ups! Thanks Ladies for making this go so smoothly! Deb

I'm crazy about it! Going to be watching out for a rusted rake. Thanks for sharing this idea. I have a perfect place for it over my outdoor fireplace. Can't wait to make for next year's Christmas decor. Thanks for the idea!

Well harmful of not, I think rusty stuff is ugly!!....except for certain instances where is intentional, like in certain sculpture and buildings made from cor-10 steel, designed to rust and then stabilize, rather that other items that just have the rusty metal eat away at the integrity of the metal. I would scrub all the rust you can with a wire brush, then use an acid like Naval Jelly to really get rid of the stuff and paint with a rust preventing paint, like Rusteolum. But you will have to be vigilant, the rust can return if there is the least chip or scratch in the protective coating, and you will have to repeat your procedure. The thing about rust....you think it's gone, and it returns and eventually will completely destroy what it eats at. I gave up and bought a stoneware birdbath....no more rusty stuff!