I love this planter. It is of exceptional quality.  It is not rusted when it arrives but I contacted Veradek and learned you can hasten the rusting process with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, salt, and white vinegar.  It is so much fun to apply the mixture and watch the process happen which is fairly quickly.  You can spray on as much or as little as you want. I used 4 coats and planted grasses as seen in the photo.  Be sure to keep the styrofoam inside the planter because instructions did not come with the packaging.