I was disappointed in the thin quality of the walls, and   I think that having a recess for plants is a bad idea, since there is no drainage.  I thought I had read that the plant holder was removable, which would make a lot more sense and make it easier to rinse out the barrel, though there  would still be no drainage. I will be poking holes so as not to accumulate mosquito- attracting water. Also, since the faucet is so high on  the barrel (nice for a watering can), it is necessary to have a hose to empty the barrel completely.  Why provide a hose hanger and no hose? I would not have bought this barrel if I had been able to see it in person.  I liked the size, but would much prefer the 75 gallon barrel.