POTTED GARDENS

If you do not have a large garden but love greenery around you why not consider a collection of potted plants which will enhance the space, no matter how small it is. A careful co-ordination of plant and pot brings out the best in both.  You can actually alter the appearance of a plant by the choice of container. Plants with strong lines or unique foliage look good in simple containers while compact plants often benefit from something more elaborate.

The simplest arrangements can be the most effective. Tropical plants with oversized leaves or succulents with thick leaves and stems are classic architectural plants and perfect for a one pot/one plant arrangement.  Smaller, less spectacular plants are enhanced by grouping together, according to height or colour, to create visual impact.  Consider watering issues when choosing architectural plants for your garden.  Succulents do not require frequent watering so can be placed in more remote garden locations, while tropicals need irrigating more often and therefore should be placed near a convenient water source

As well as foliage plants, why not consider a selection of the brightly coloured flowering plants that are now readily available such as Petunias or Impatiens.  Try using related colours in your pots such as red, orange and yellow or blue and purple, to create a warm, exciting space.  Or choose cool colours, such as pale pinks and creams, which appear more distant, creating a greater sense of garden space.  Using shades of one colour, particularly white, also creates an attractive theme.

A startling effect comes from planting opposing colours together, such as orange and blue or purple and yellow.  These combinations form intense visual contrasts and create a great deal of excitement and interest in the landscape.

Think about adding height, especially useful in a small garden.   Use free standing or hanging containers to give the space 3-dimensional colour.

Frame an entry way – doors and gates make natural focal points and you can make a dramatic impression by embellishing these areas with attractive, colourful containers.

Always be aware of surrounding colours to achieve a co-ordinated overall design.  The best way to perfectly set off your chosen flowers and textures is to provide a simple backdrop of green vegetation.

********************************************