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Sugar or "white gold" as it was referred to in the plantation days is directly responsible for the creation of the cast iron sugar kettle that so many people love to use in their gardens today. The sugar industry has grown over the last several hundred years so that the average consumption of sugar has risen from about 4 pounds per person per year in the 1700's to around 100 pounds per person per year today. It is sweet and gives you an energy boost for sure; and obviously it has grown in popularity and availability, despite the bad of calories, cavities and diabetes. But how has all of this brought us the sugar kettle we know today?

A product of the late 18th, early 19th century; the sugar kettle was used in the sugar manufacturing process. By heating the extracted juice from sugar cane with lime juice, to remove impurities; the evaporated juice was placed in progressively smaller kettles over fires to extract the sugar crystals which is the sugar we know today. These attractively designed kettles were not only used in the production of sugar but were also used for food preparation on the plantations where large numbers of people needed to be feed at one time. These kettles were originally made of cast iron due to it's strength and versatility however during the civil war many of these kettles were melted down to make cannon balls and other implements of war.

These kettles are no longer used in the production of sugar; however, they are used in many other creative ways to both simplify and beautify areas of the home or garden. Some of todays uses include water gardening, ponds, fountains, containers, planters and rain catchers. Most "new" kettles are made of fiberglass; however, there are a few manufactures of cast iron and steel kettles. Fiberglass kettles are in many ways superior to the iron kettles as they do not rust and deteriorate over time as easily. With the proper care any sugar kettle design will last for many many years and will likely be passed on from generation to generation within a single family.

Some water feature uses are as follows:
1) As a water garden itself (self-contained and easy to maintain)
2) As a catch pond for a water fall (could either be the pond or just an over-flow for a larger pond below)
3) Use different sized kettles for a tiered fountain effect.
4) As the bottom bowl for a fountain with a raised fountain statue in the middle.
5) As a rain water catch for irrigation of a garden.

Other uses include:
1) As a fire pit (cast iron works only)
2) A dry planter or large flower pot (a whole garden could be planted in a larger kettle)
3) As a grill (again cast iron only with addition of a grill top or cooking plate)

Many new and unique use for these kettles are being created all the time. If you have any that are not listed here please let us know and we will add them to the list.

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