Photos by Michael Woodall

How to create instant impact with well-placed containers


FOUNTAIN BLEU
Before planting your container garden, observe how much light the area receives. “Sun and shade exposure are the biggest dictators of plant selection,” says Patricia Rossi of Enchanted Garden Inc. On this semi-shady patio, an assortment of potted agaves, aloes, euphorbias and mammillarias accents a tiled water feature.

HAPPY HEARTH In large spaces with high ceilings, containers can be used to draw the eye downward to a more comfortable level. In this outdoor room, a layering effect is created with pots and plants of varying sizes. TIP: When placing containers in hard-to-reach spots, fill them with such low-water-use plants as rat tail cactus (pictured to the left of the fireplace mantel). This cuts down on drainage and maintenance issues.

MAKING AN ENTRANCE Massed plantings work wonders to warm up an entry or frame a doorway. In this setting, the pots and plants are similar enough to be cohesive, but the mix keeps it exciting. TIP: If a location is too shady for flowering plants and you are looking for visual interest, create vignettes with attractive foliage, or use vegetation with variegated leaves.

THE GREAT DIVIDE Tall-growing potted plants can be used to break up the monotony of an expansive space. In this patio setting, pygmy date palms, which do well in pots and are heat-tolerant, provide a tropical ambience and soften the hardscape. TIP: If grouping pots of the same style and color, choose plants and containers of varying heights and sizes to make it interesting.