Landscape Accessories Series: Containers
Containers can be used as a versatile design element in the landscape, adding color, texture, height, and interest to various areas. Here are some tips for using containers in fun and creative ways to add beauty and interest to your outdoor space.
Choose the right container: The container itself can be an important part of the design. Consider the style, material, and color of the container to ensure that it complements the surrounding landscape and the plants you want to add to it. Containers can be made from a variety of materials, such as terracotta, wood, metal, concrete, and more! Experiment with different materials to create different looks and textures, and don’t be afraid to add a touch of whimsy as you’ll see in the photos below. Old bee boxes, a broken fountain, a rusty wheelbarrow, an old stove, and an antique garden cart can all become plant containers. Be sure to add drainage holes if needed for the best plant health.
Group containers: Grouping containers of various sizes and heights together can create an interesting and dynamic display. Consider grouping containers in odd numbers for a more natural and visually pleasing look. If containers aren’t the same color, use a similar texture or finish, or use similar plants to tie the styles together. Plants can be the same type, or can bring in contrasting textures and more height.
Create height: Use taller containers or pedestals to create height and vertical interest inside or outside of planting beds. They can help create a layered effect, or bring blooms to areas of perennial beds that aren’t currently in bloom. They are easy or add or move around throughout the season, and can add the look of statuary with eye-catching contrast. Containers full of beautiful hanging baskets add color where there may only sometimes be a green tree canopy.
Consider the plant selection: Select plants that will thrive in the container and the location you plan to place them. Group shade or sunny plants together, or ones with similar water requirements. Water hogs and succulents won’t be compatible because neither will be happy with the moisture requirements of the other. Tropical plants that need to survive inside in winter can then be placed temporarily in the landscape to enjoy outside during the warm summer months. Also, consider adding variety to your designs with color, texture, structure, and leaf shape. I love picking a new color theme each year for my front entry containers!
Use containers to define spaces: Containers can be used to define spaces within your landscape, such as a seating area or entranceway. The structure and style can draw your eye and instantly add curb appeal. If you are just starting to add containers, this is a great place to invest in some beautiful, sturdy pots that complement the style of your home.
Add seasonal interest: Use containers to add seasonal interest to your landscape. Plant pansies or bulbs for spring blooms, heat-loving annuals for summer color, and mums or ornamental grasses for fall interest. Even after the growing season is over, I use my front porch containers to add seasonal displays for Christmas. By using evergreen branches, berries, twigs, and pinecones, you can bring color even in the snowiest parts of winter.
Watering: Containers have a smaller soil reservoir so they can dry out faster. Be sure to make a plan for watering because even one day without water could lead to serious setbacks or loss. In full sun they may need to be watered sometimes twice a day. Adding drip irrigation to makes it easier to keep them alive even when you are away from home. Experiment with the number of emitters and the amount of time they run to get the watering just right. And don’t forget to change watering with seasons and temperature!
Have fun and experiment with your containers, especially with annuals, and herbs, or even try adding edibles. Last year I experimented with drought-tolerant annuals and perennials in my containers to highly reduce the water needs. They weren’t as colorful as pots full of water-loving annuals, but they had interesting foliage, smelled amazing, and used a fraction of the water that is normally needed.
Containers are a great way to add instant color to a space and I hope this has inspired you to try using containers in new ways!
Photos: I personally took all of these photos at my home, in public gardens, or in private home gardens during tours. I’m so grateful for those who open up their gates to welcome visitors and I thank them sincerely for the beautiful inspiration! My goal is to make my yard a space where I can share and do the same for others. I love sharing it all with you!
Be sure to come back for more in the Landscape Accessories Series.