How Tidy Randalstown Transformed Their Heritage Town with Amberol Self-Watering Planters

In 2024 and again in 2025, the group used two rounds of funding to invest in Amberol’s self-watering planters, transforming the entrances to Randalstown and the riverside areas into stunning, sustainable showcases of colour.

“These Amberol self-watering planters have helped us to provide stunning displays beside the River Maine and at two entrances to the heritage town of Randalstown.”

The Challenge: Creating Sustainable Displays with Limited Resources

Like many community groups, Tidy Randalstown faced the challenge of creating and maintaining high-quality floral displays with a small volunteer team. Daily watering during summer was time-consuming and impractical, especially as the group aims to minimise water usage and align with its strong environmental ethos.

The Amberol Solution

After being introduced to Amberol’s self-watering hanging baskets by the Parks team at Antrim and Newtownabbey Council in 2023, Tidy Randalstown was immediately impressed with the design and functionality. This led to the purchase of their own Amberol planters, including:

• Square Planters
• Promenade Planters

“We water less often, which reduces the number of volunteers required and the amount of time involved. It also gives us confidence that our plants will always have moisture at their roots, so they stay strong and healthy.”

How It Works in Practice

Watering frequency:

• Large planters: every 7-10 days, depending on conditions.
• Hanging baskets: every 3 days on average.

The result? Healthier plants, reduced water consumption, and fewer volunteer hours spent on watering, while still maintaining beautiful displays that residents and visitors love.

The Impact on the Community

Tidy Randalstown volunteers have been serving the community for over 13 years, and in the last five years, they have been contributing an incredible 8,000-9,000 hours per year. By using Amberol’s self-watering planters, they have been able to make even better use of their time, focusing on planning and planting rather than constant maintenance.

“Our work feeds into the development of civic pride, and there is a tremendous community spirit in Randalstown now.”

The planters not only provide visual impact but also play an important role in supporting pollinators and creating “bee corridors,” aligning with Tidy Randalstown’s commitment to sustainability.

Why Amberol?

• Durability: Planters retain their colour and withstand the elements.
• Aesthetics: Designs blend perfectly with existing streetscape.
• Proven performance: Self-watering system delivers as promised.

After discovering Amberol through online research and recommendations from their Parks Department, Tidy Randalstown has since recommended the company to other community groups. They have already received additional funding to purchase more planters in 2025.

“We couldn’t be happier with the results, and we’ve already recommended Amberol to other groups.”

Looking Ahead

With further funding secured and continued success in their efforts, Tidy Randalstown plans to expand their collection of Amberol planters, bringing even more colour and biodiversity to their beautiful heritage town.