We love landscaping with pots. Whether you have a tiny balcony, poolside patio or a sweeping backyard, adding pots and plants will instantly give form, structure and interest to your outdoor space. You can use them to create zones, add greenery or blooms, grow veggies, or hide unsightly features. They are a landscape designer's best friend!
If you want to joosh up your outdoor space with pots and plants, our top design tip is always to remember the 'rule of threes'; a design concept so easy to use you almost can't go wrong! Here's what we mean, with some images to illustrate.
Three pots
For maximum impact, we suggest selecting three pots of the same colour or material in the same style and shape.
Three colours
Choose three plant colours or shades that complement one another. The colour doesn't have to be in flower form either; foliage can be just as colourful, and remember, green is a colour too!
Three textures
If you prefer the look of the more reserved, all-green colour palette, consider mixing three different textures to make it more engaging. Mix spikey grasses, large-leafed shrubs, and softer mounding perennials to create visual interest.
Three words: 'thriller, filler, spiller'
Keeping this handy phrase in mind will help you to create harmony and balance in your larger containers (60cm+ in diameter). The 'thriller' is the centrepiece, usually a tree or taller shrub that grabs attention. The 'filler' fills the pot and covers the soil. The 'spiller' is a trailing plant that spills over the edges of the pot to create balance with the thriller.
Would you like help choosing the best pots and plants for your space? Visit one of our monthly pop-up studios at our warehouse in Hobsonville. Bring some photos, measurements and the aspect of your space, and one of our design experts will help you choose the most appropriate pots and plants. Easy as!
Our next events are Saturday 19 August and Saturday 16 September. Visit our website events page for more details at citybotanics.co.nz/events
City Botanics specialises in small urban gardens, courtyards, patios and balconies. If you are thinking about transforming your small outdoor space, contact Martin for a free consultation on 027 215 7884
citybotanics.co.nz
