How to Plan an Artful Container Garden

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

01 Apr 2009 11:48 AM

You can really enhance your curb appeal and transform your outdoor space through the artful arrangement of plants in container gardening. Think of it as instant art meets practical appeal. Container gardening makes everything flexible enough to be changed with your mood or the seasons. Here are some tips on successful container gardening.

Think about the size of your pots. Larger pots make a bigger impact and generally look better against the scale of your home. Lots of little pots can look messy and uninspired. Mix up sizes for interest, but then tie them together in other ways, such as shape or hue. Also be sure to keep the materials of the containers close, such as grouping together wood containers, clay or pottery containers, or rustic or household objects serving as containers.

Think of your container gardening as an art installation, and approach the aesthetics the same way to achieve something special.

Many homeowners tend to choose pots that blend in with the exterior of the home, Instead choose some bright or trendy colors. Great patterns and variegations are also available now in plant containers. Apple red and apple green are big colors right now.

Know which colors in plants complement each other. Blues and whites always look classic and clean, or try yellows and golds, yellows and oranges, blues and silvers or purples and silvers.

I mentioned tying the containers in somehow. You also want to have the plants that you put in them coordinate and work well together without being boring. To do this, choose plants that resemble each other in one of the following areas: color, height, width.

Consider using container gardening containers for things other than plants, especially during the off season. Sturdy containers can be used for seating or as a railing. And if you do add plants, pick some tall evergreens to create a privacy fence!

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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