TEXT Laura Bowden, designer

Container gardening tips from professional landscape designers

Thinking outside of the box is the foundation for creating inspiring and beautiful container plantings for the fall and winter seasons. In the space outside your containers there are critical success factors, including light conditions, the existing style of your home, and surrounding colors. A great planter serves as the perfect finishing touch, bringing the style and look together in a cohesive way.

1. CONSIDER THE SPACE Container plantings create the focal point that pulls your visitor’s eye toward the front entrance. Remember to consider the spatial relationship of your containers in proportion to where they are displayed. For example, wider, shorter container designs are perfect for the start of a walkway while taller and more narrow designs are better for closer in towards the door.

2. ACCENT AND COMPLEMENT Remember to consider your surroundings, now and in the near term future. Start by looking at the textures and colors of the existing foliage already in your yard. When planning out your containers, work to pull in complementary colors with a consistent accent color. For example, a brick home with a bluestone front walkway would look fantastic with a burgundy grass for the tall center, a grey-blooming sedum, and a brighter accent color of your choosing. Be sure to repeat this color scheme in your containers leading to the front door (or back door).

3. INCORPORATE SURPRISING ELEMENTS Sometimes the best container designs are those that use unusual elements to add character. While cabbage and mums are expected staples for the fall season, and greens and berries are the go-tos for winter, get a little creative! Try incorporating pods, pumpkins, logs, and twigs! The more unexpected, the better the “story” you create. Living shrubs, perennials, and props such as lanterns and lighted twigs, can go a long way in achieving a unique, fun look (that would set you apart from the neighbors) that will last until spring.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Bowden, Designer Stonegate Gardens | 339 S. Great Road | Lincoln, MA 01773 theconcierge@stonegategardens.com | 781.259.8884 Serving the greater Boston area & suburbs

3 Tips For Thinking Outside the Box