Plants and containers can be arranged in an artistic way to make the space feel inviting and cozy. The simplest way to create this look is by using complementary colors.
Flowers and foliage come in all shades, textures, and shapes, so it’s easy to play with color combinations. Try contrasting leaf colors and textures in the same container, or setting snow white flowers next to red or cobalt blue ones.
Color
Color plays an important role in the design of a container garden. It sets the mood, tone, creates atmosphere, and draws attention to details.
Using complementary colors, like purple and yellow, is a fun way to create drama and contrast in your container gardens. However, overused color combinations can get jarring and unsettling, so use them sparingly.
A striking contrast of sedge grass, creeping sedum, and purple echeveria creates visual and textural interest in this planting. The sedge, a different plant from grass, adds a subtle textural element and tones of red, orange, and purple, which pick up and play off the sedum’s low and full leaves.
If you love the farmhouse look, consider planting a variety of small herbs and plants in vintage metal pots or repurposed containers. Eucalyptus, arrowhead vine, and succulents are great choices for an eclectic look that complements the farmhouse style.
Plants
There’s no better way to create a focal point in your garden than with a vibrant collection of potted plants. They provide a natural canvas for color, texture, and composition, and can be fun to experiment with each season as new varieties come onto the market.
When selecting plants for your container garden, consider the growing rates and spreading characteristics of each plant. This will help ensure they work together and complement each other all season long.
You’ll also want to make sure you select plants that thrive in the conditions you have available, including sun and water. It’s easy to overlook these details when planting a garden, but they can make or break a design.
Pots
Groupings of plants, arranged in pots or containers, are an easy way to create a focal point and add depth to a space. Follow interior design’s “rule of three” and use a variety of plant varieties, heights, and shades of green to keep things interesting.
When choosing a container, consider the pot material, which will affect how frequently your plants need to be watered. Plastic pots are lightweight and inexpensive, while terra cotta or ceramic ones are heavier and more expensive but offer beautiful patterns.
Make sure the pot has a drainage hole at the bottom so excess water can drain out. Without one, water can pool at the bottom of the pot and suffocate the roots, leading to root rot that can kill your plants.
To make your potted plant stand out even more, try decorating it with a unique pattern. You can find a wide range of items at your local craft or hardware store to cover a simple plastic pot: buttons, pebbles, glass tiles, shells, sticks and more.
Accessories
Adding accessories to your potted plants can be a great way to add interest and variety to your garden. You can choose from a wide range of objects, such as vases, baskets, rusty lanterns, and topiaries.
When arranging your accessories, consider how the heights of each piece affect the overall look of your display. You can mix tall, mounded, and low cascading pieces to create a more interesting design.
The texture of your accessories also makes a difference in the final look of your garden. If you use metal, it will have a shiny appearance, while wood or other natural materials will give your display a more rustic feel.
When preparing your container gardens, you will need tools that are useful for filling, planting and digging. For example, a soil scoop will make it easier to get soil into your containers while a hand fork can be used to sneak a plant into an established container.
