When designing a garden, it’s easy to consider hardscape, beds and borders, and landscaping. Many then choose architectural containers that contain a specimen. This can be particularly effective, especially if the effect is repeated along a row of planters.

But how about some seasonal style? Why not bring a combination of bold colors into your garden from July to October? Want to follow this with a blend of warming tones for the winter season? You can achieve such showstoppers relatively easily by implementing “The Art of the Planter”.

There are some caveats to container planting. They involve extra effort on your part. Whether it’s wet or dry weather, you should water your planters at least every other day, especially terracotta pots. You’ll also find that houseplants need regular feeding to keep them looking their best for longer. Monetarily, planters that change with each season will cost you every time you buy new compost and plants.

Let’s just say that the benefits of having seasonal, stunning, abundantly overflowing planters far outweigh these negative points. It just requires a little care and consideration. Below we give you three simple rules to follow that will make planting your container spectacle that much easier.

Before anything else, choose the right planters for your garden if you don’t already have them. If you have a smart, modern space, choose simple matching pieces. Alternatively, if yours is an Italian or cottage garden style, why not splash out on elaborate stone or terracotta urns? You can mix and match sizes and details in a less formal garden as well. Larger planters work better as effective statement pieces.

The placement of your planters also affects your container planting. Be sure to place them where they will have the greatest impact without detracting from other features such as ponds, sculptures or flower beds. Front doors are ideal locations, as are long unadorned walls or hidden corners.

By the way, will the plants be in the middle of a space, or will they have their backs to a wall? The image below shows the difference this makes: A. is visible from all sides, while B. approaches from only three sides. There is no point in putting smaller plants around the back of pot B, as you will never see them. In addition, they will hardly receive any light and will preferably die out quickly.