Get Potted: Perfect Pots for Any Garden Space
Whatever style or size of your garden, pots can play a big part. They help to add height and structure and can be used to define sections or screen off unsightly areas. There are a multitude of different shapes, colours and textures on the market, so how do you choose the perfect pot?
Supersize It
Even in a small space, scaling up your pot size can create a dynamic vibe. I would be inclined to use one enormous planter as a stunning focal point rather than lots of little ones. Place several large planters in a row along the edges of a pathway or patio to frame the space. Repetition of the same pot will also have a much stronger visual impact than an eclectic mixture.
Technicolour Dreamcoat
Plant pots are a quick and easy way to work texture and colour into your garden. Glazed pots will bounce light around the space. Fibreglass pots and planters come in a vast array of shapes and styles and can be produced in virtually any colour or finish, making them the ideal choice to brighten up a garden throughout the year. Metal pots and planters, such as stainless or Corten steel, will add a modern look, whereas timber will give a space a softer, more rustic feel.
Mix it Up
When you are selecting materials for your garden, there are more than mere aesthetics to consider. Does the material work practically for its intended use? For example, decking in a shaded area, such as under a tree, may not dry out and will become slippery and dilapidated over time.
Do some research and take advice from suppliers. Does it require lots of maintenance? Is it easy to install or does it need professional skills? The more you understand the materials, the better chance you have of creating a garden that will stand the test of time.
Once you have decided what materials will best suit your space, look at ways to combine them for maximum visual effect. Mix up textures and finishes – shiny next to matte, rough next to smooth – and use the same materials in different places throughout the space to create a sense of continuity. Pick materials that will provide year-round colour and interest, such as Corten steel or Perspex sheets. Try not to throw everything you find into your design though or it may become too busy.
A well-rounded planting scheme
The great thing about pots and planters is their portability. You can take them with you when you move house, or move them to different areas of your garden to mix up the layout. If you want to give your garden a lift, a few well-placed new pots can really help. Even painting or cladding your existing pots and planters will give them a new lease of life.
Pots and planters make it simple to vary the planting in a particular area. They can also be used to make deciduous plants more appealing during the winter months.
