It’s that time of year when spring has most definitely sprung. The heat is starting to set in (and real hard-work gardening projects start to seem a little less exciting – who wants to sweat that much?). And then there is an end of school year/ kids home busy-ness that comes with children.  

Who needs to make things harder with complicated flower pot design?

If you have garden containers to fill and would love to have the cooling freshness that plants bring to any space (indoors or out) – you don’t need to make anything harder than it needs to be.

Keep it simple and straightforward without sacrificing style with these container garden combos. The trick is this: One Pot + One (type of ) Plant = Huge Designer Style.

Yes, this is just two elements (a plant a pot) but it is the thoughtful combination that is magical. A lot can be accomplished if you don’t try too hard.  Let me know if you think these hit the mark…

Ferns and Buckets

Galvanized Ribbed Container From Rejuvenation

Black Terracotta Plant From Rejuvenation

Lush ferns are happy with a little dry shade. (Meaning you won’t be as much a slave to them as to other more needy plants).

One big fern can fill a shiny metal bucket or a look super sexy adjacent to some black terracotta. (I am not sure which look I like better).

Ferns tend to be cheap and plentiful and they give you an opportunity to surrounding yourself with the fresh rain-forest garden feel. This look will work with nearly any house style or outdoor space and will give you a nice sense of enclosure and lushness.

Ferns look better (and are happier) in a spot that doesn’t get baked by the sun all day (patio, front porch, flanking the garage, etc) – but most ferns can take at least a half day’s exposure.

Sassy Grasses + Monochrome Planters = Chic Container Garden Combo

Modern Pink Planter from Burke Home

Pink is usually a soft garden color that makes me think of grandmas cottage. But this contemporary pink container filled with Pink Muhly grass asserts a strong modern sensibility that is really the opposite of faded blowsy blossoms. It is more of a standout feature that sets the scene. (All about pink Muhly grass)

If you have a chic pool deck, or maybe a cozy mid century home this monochromatic combination is an easy way to make big design statement.

If you aren’t into pink, maybe switch it up with a purple grass and a plum container or a silvery grass and a grey container.)

Stately Castor Bean and Rustic Terracotta Flower Pot Design

Antique Terracotta Planter from Rejuvenation

I have an obsession with Ricinus (Castor Bean) – for me it is a case of wanting the thing I can’t have (or maybe shouldn’t have). 

Here in New England, I’ve never once seen it in a nursery (I’ve always grown mine from seed). I know down on Long Island there are lots of places that I can find this ‘dangerous’ but stately plant.  But, you know, — New Yorkers — and their fashionable ways. 😉

This combo of exotic and exciting Castor Bean with the Moroccan Planter from Rejuvenation is a dangerous and sexy mix.

Other less controversial plants that I think could be substituted here – Amaranth, Quinoa, or maybe rhubarb, though I have read that many people struggle to keep this heavy feeder happy in a pot.

Bright Fresh Blues with Modern Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed Wood Planter from Greenery By Design

Clean and bright and cheery, it is the Pollyanna of my little collection.  I can see this container nicely paired with perhaps another wooden vessel (of different size, shape or height) similarly filled with white daisies or something just so fresh and clean.

Another options to extend the season of pretty blue flowers into the spring would be to grow leafy brunnera. I’d also like to try growing Anchusa Dropmore or amsonia in a pot like this.

Unique Succulents with a Shapely Pot

For an eye catching Mediterranean look, try a combo of Lotus Golden Parrots Beak with a classic Olive Oil Urn From Ballard Design.  It is timeless and traffic stopping.

This is probably suited to a climate warmer than my own – a place where the Lotus would not have to be brought indoors in the winter survive.

An Olive urn planter is a unique shape that I think calls for an equally special plant partner. This type of container garden combo – where you are focussing on complimenting shapes – can yeild artful results. The Lotus is a draping plant that will send branches of silver over the side topped off with flowers that kinda look like flames.

So which is your favorite?  Are you going to give any of these a try?

If you would like to learn more about how to create successful container gardens join me in my annual course – Creating Containers – A Year of Creating Collected Gardens in Pots with Rochelle Greayer.

This is another great container garden design post that you might find helpful:

40 ideas for making better flower pot designs and cool container gardens