Getting some style fundamentals are important.
- Scale and proportion is key. Normally a pot will have a tall, central plant. A good rule of thumb is that the plant should be about one to one and a half times the height of the container.
- Avoiding tall plantings with pots with narrow bases will stop your planters having a top heaving look, and stop them from toppling over in windy positions.
- If the pot has a narrow base, generally a cascading plant will suit it better.
- Combo planting can also be very effective, but contrast leaf textures for greatest impact, for example, ornamental grasses paired with trailing succulents can look terrific and be very low maintenance.
- Use repetition and symmetry; pairs flanking doorways, matching pots up stairs and so on will add impact.
- Grouping can also be a great way of highlighting the different styles of pots and their various heights.
By Meredith Kirton