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Put it in a pot
This is the time of year when I personally think the containers in a garden really start to out-shine the perennial beds. The potted plants have really taken off with the sun and the rain and now our patio planters are getting all the praise. This also happens to be the time of year when we start to enjoy outdoor locations for dining and entertaining, which is probably why I start to have container- envy. I love seeing different interpretations and how homeowners are able to express their own creativity using pots and plants!
There is officially no single right way to be successful with the design of a planter. So many different techniques all seem to create amazing results. That said, here are my personal container gardening tips.
Containers and planters will always be a focal point in a space. They create visual impact. How much impact they create is up to you. If you want your container to immediately draw the eye, use bright colours in a sunny location. Deep reds or bright yellows pop in the sunshine. If you want something a little less obvious, lots of greens in the shade are amazing at creating understated elegance. One of my favourites is moss in a glazed pot, which can be striking in a subdued way.
The list of plants that grow in a container is vast. Don’t get stuck in a rut and plant the same ones each year. I am a fan of using perennials, annuals, tropicals or even trees in containers. I have only two rules when it comes to selection. First, they have to have a root system that does well in a small space. Secondly, if they are not going to bloom for the entire summer, then the leaves (or their shape) have to be appealing as well.
Add personality with something other than plants. I have huge respect for gardeners who incorporate art or even whimsy into their planters. An unexpected statue may seem like a tight fit in a small space, but done properly, they can be so rewarding. I use containers to create constantly evolving vignettes.
Never be afraid of going big with a planter. Lately, I’ve been putting large planters in small spaces. I love the drama that they create. I am also a fan of getting the plants higher up so that they are on different visual planes. Too often we think of gardening on the ground and building up from there. With a large planter, you can start at whatever height you want.
Ultimately, containers are void-fillers. They are the perfect solution for filling empty spots around the outside of your home. I put containers on decks, patios, balconies and even directly into the garden because they are so versatile at filling spaces. Don’t be afraid to add colour and art to personalize your outdoors by using pots and planters. You might be surprised at how rewarding container gardening really is.
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