Are these urns frost proof for winter?

Most iron and stone versions withstand freezing temperatures well if drainage holes remain clear of debris. Porous terracotta and earthenware pieces require shelter or emptying during hard frosts to prevent cracking. Ensuring the base is raised slightly off the ground on pot feet prevents moisture from freezing underneath and fracturing the material.

How do I plant directly into them?

Line the interior with a porous membrane and place a layer of broken crocks at the base to secure adequate drainage. Fill with a suitable compost mix depending on the botanical requirements of your chosen flora. Heavy iron and stone containers remain permanently in situ, so planting directly avoids the difficulty of moving heavy filled vessels.

How can I tell cast iron from stone?

Cast iron displays crisp moulded details, magnetic properties, and characteristic rust patination where paint finishes have thinned. Reconstituted and cast stone exhibit a granular texture without metallic resonance when tapped. Examining the underside or interior seams often reveals the parting lines from metal moulds or the aggregate composition of stone mixtures.

What is a Campana urn?

A Campana urn is a bell-shaped vessel with a flared rim and footed base, derived from classical antiquity. Nineteenth-century foundries reproduced these in cast iron and terracotta for formal European gardens. They function effectively as focal points on pedestals or paired at the entrance of garden paths.