Questions
Frequently asked questions.
The questions people most often ask before beginning. If yours is not answered here, write to us and we will answer it personally.
- What is HaloVase?
- HaloVase is a handcrafted square glass hydroponic vessel resting on a substantial pedestal. A loved companion’s cremated ashes are placed inside the pedestal beneath a layer of fine sea sand. A ring of white light within the base illuminates the vessel from below, while clear water, fine rising bubbles and a living curly willow sit above. The front glass can be engraved.
- Where are the ashes placed?
- Inside the pedestal, beneath a covering layer of fine sea sand. They remain enclosed within the base and are never on display.
- Are the ashes placed in the water?
- No. The ashes stay within the pedestal beneath the sea sand. They are not placed in the water and they do not surround the willow roots.
- Which plant is used?
- Curly willow — in every HaloVase, and nothing else. It is the only plant we use: it roots in water alone, holds a sculptural twisting form with no leaves to shed into the vessel, and carries on growing so the shape keeps changing. There is no plant list to work through and nothing to choose.
- Can I have a different plant instead?
- No. HaloVase is designed around curly willow and we do not substitute another plant. If you would like something else entirely, we would rather say so honestly than make a piece we do not stand behind.
- Are the photographs of a real HaloVase?
- The photographs and the film of the white pedestal, the willow and the roots are of a finished HaloVase at home — not a studio set. The dark three-dimensional sequence on the homepage is an art-directed illustration of how the piece is assembled.
- Can the glass be engraved?
- Yes. The front glass can be personally engraved so the light from below catches the lettering. You can preview how a name sits on the glass on our homepage before enquiring.
- What wording can I engrave?
- Most people choose a name, sometimes with years or dates, and occasionally a short line. The engraving preview on this site uses provisional character guides.
- How is a HaloVase ordered?
- Through a conversation rather than a checkout. You send an enquiry, we reply personally, and together we settle the engraving and the details. Nothing is confirmed until you are ready.
- How do I care for the willow and the water?
- HaloVase is a hydroponic vessel: clear water and nutrients sustain the willow, fine bubbles keep the water moving, and the glass is cleaned gently so the engraving stays clear. The general framework is set out on our Care page.
- Is every HaloVase made individually?
- Yes. Each one is handcrafted and prepared for one companion and one family, with its own engraving and its own willow.
- Can I enquire from outside South Africa?
- Yes. Bowtie AeroBotanics is based in South Africa and that is our primary market, but international enquiries are welcome and answered individually.
The engraving method and finish are confirmed during consultation.
Character limits shown here are provisional preview guides. Final engraving limits are confirmed before production.
Precise care intervals, nutrient guidance and cleaning products are being finalised and will be supplied with each HaloVase.
International enquiries are welcome and answered individually.